A former teacher and coach from the Mesquite area has been arrested on child grooming charges, according to authorities who are now investigating whether there might be additional victims.
Matthan Lough, a 32-year-old Crandall resident who previously taught at Pioneer Technology and Arts Academy and coached club volleyball in Mesquite, was taken into custody last week following an investigation that began earlier this month, police announced Thursday.
The case stems from a report received by the Mesquite Police Department on October 2, 2025, regarding possible child grooming at the Christian Center of Mesquite on East Cartwright Road. Detectives subsequently obtained an arrest warrant for Lough, though as of publication, he is no longer booked in jail, authorities confirmed.
Investigation Still Developing
What exactly transpired at the Christian Center remains unclear. The Mesquite Police Department hasn’t released specific details about the alleged grooming incident, only stating that the investigation is ongoing.
Child grooming typically involves building trust with a minor to facilitate emotional connection or sexual contact. It’s a troubling charge that carries significant legal penalties and often indicates a pattern of behavior rather than an isolated incident.
“A 32-year-old Crandall man who previously worked as a teacher and coach in Mesquite schools was arrested last week on a child grooming charge,” the Mesquite Police Department stated in their announcement.
Authorities are now casting a wider net. The Mesquite Police Department has issued a public call for information, urging anyone with knowledge of other potential offenses involving Lough to come forward.
Educational Background
Before his arrest, Lough had established himself in local educational circles. His employment at Pioneer Technology and Arts Academy put him in regular contact with students, as did his role as a club volleyball coach in the area.
Such positions of trust make the allegations particularly concerning to parents and community members. The case has already prompted discussions about vetting procedures for those working with children in educational and religious settings.
Anyone with information regarding other possible offenses involving Matthan Lough is asked to contact the Mesquite Police Department directly at 972-216-6701, investigators reported.
As this case unfolds, local parents are left wondering about the safeguards in place at institutions where adults interact regularly with children—and whether those measures are sufficient to prevent potential predatory behavior.
