Heber Springs teacher arrested on child sex abuse material charges

A Heber Springs high school teacher was arrested Wednesday on felony charges involving child sexual abuse material after a harassment complaint led investigators to evidence on his phone.

David Isaac Gauvey, 30, is held in the White County Detention Center on a $45,000 bond. He faces felony counts of engaging a child in sexually explicit conduct and possessing matter depicting child sex, according to court records reported by Little Rock TV station KARK.

Gauvey, an agriculture teacher at Heber Springs High School, contacted the White County Sheriff’s Department on Dec. 30, 2025, to report that a female relative was posting social media accusations against him.

According to a warrant affidavit, Gauvey allowed deputies to search his phone but was seen “manipulating his device” to delete items from his camera roll before handing it over.

The relative told investigators Gauvey solicited nude photos from her for two years while knowing she was a minor. Court records state Gauvey initially denied the claims during a Jan. 16 interview but later admitted to soliciting and sending the images.

Heber Springs School District officials said Gauvey has been on administrative leave since they were notified of the allegations. The district stated it has no reason to believe any students were involved or that any inappropriate actions occurred on campus.

Gauvey is scheduled for an April 7 arraignment in White County Circuit Court.

David Isaac Gauvey

Image: White County Sheriff’s Office