HOUSTON -- A Bellaire teacher has been charged with several felony charges of possessing child pornography, KPRC Local 2 reported.

Kent Johnson, 53, was arrested at his home Monday morning. Johnson is accused of three counts of possessing child pornography.

His long-time neighbors in his southeast Houston community can't believe the charges.

“I was very surprised," neighbor Claudia Gutierrez said. “I've known them for the past six years since we've lived here. They're very nice, quiet, they kept to themselves.”

Johnson is the chair of the theater and dance department at Episcopal High School in Bellaire. He's taught at the school for 17 years.

The head of school said none of the alleged crimes are believed to involve local students. He said the charges originated in Colorado.

The school told students, teachers and parents about the arrest Monday afternoon.

“We're blessed that we have a chapel program,” administrator Ned Smith said. “The kids are in the habit of being in the chapel and hearing about weighty stuff.”

Johnson now faces third-degree felonies and has been suspended from his job pending the outcome of the investigation.

The school is offering special help to students shocked by this charges.

“We are putting in place all the counseling measures we have and outlined regularly with our kids,” Smith said.

Johnson is being held in lieu of $50,000 bond.

If convicted, Johnson could face up to a $10,000 fine and 10 years in prison on each charge.