PETAL, MS — Former fifth-grade math teacher Tyler Shows, once celebrated with a prestigious Milken Educator Award, has been arrested again—this time facing three new counts of child exploitation.
The 35-year-old former educator, who previously taught at Petal Upper Elementary School, was first arrested in May 2024 on charges including touching a child for lustful purposes and disseminating sexually explicit material to a minor. He posted $125,000 bond and had remained free until his latest arrest on Tuesday, July 22.
According to Petal Police, new evidence has emerged, revealing that Shows allegedly used alcohol and vape products to groom over a dozen students. Authorities say he was also found in possession of sexually explicit videos involving children and allegedly showed a student a photo of his genitals.
Shows resigned from his teaching position in March 2024, just months before his initial arrest. He is now being held at the Forrest County Jail.
If convicted on all six felony charges, Shows could face decades—or even life—in prison.
