Update: Conroe Teacher Charged With Inappropriate Relationship With Student

 Posted on November 10, 2022 in Criminal Defense

Originally Published: January 31, 2022 --- Updated November 10, 2022

Teacher Pleads Guilty, Sentenced to 10 Years in Prison

Earlier this year, we told you about a teacher from the Conroe Independent School District who was charged with indecency with a child for having an improper relationship with one of her students. According to local news outlets, law enforcement started an investigation following reports from the student’s family that he and the teacher were engaged in a sexual relationship. Family members said that the teacher and student had sex on multiple occasions and that the student even stayed overnight at the teacher’s home. The student’s family reportedly found out about the relationship after the student overdosed on prescription medication.

The investigation would also find Snapchat messages between the two that indicated the teacher gave money to the student to buy drugs for them to use together. Other messages showed that the teacher sent “seductive photos” of herself to the student.

Sexual Assault of a Child

In July, the teacher pleaded guilty to one count of sexual assault of a child, and sentencing was set for October. Last month, she was sentenced to 10 years in prison. The family of the student has filed a civil lawsuit against the school district for its alleged lack of policies that address social media activity between teachers and students. Snapchat has been named in the civil suit as well, as the family claims the app allows sexual predators to target underage children.

According to Texas law, sexual assault of a child is usually a second-degree felony. A conviction can carry up to 20 years in prison, with more prison time possible for aggravating circumstances. A person convicted of this offense must also register as a sex offender. Cases such as these highlight the importance of working closely with a defense lawyer who knows how to get favorable results in sex crime cases.

Contact a Plano Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer

If you or a loved one is facing charges related to an inappropriate sexual relationship with a child, contact an experienced Collin County criminal defense attorney at The Crowder Law Firm, P.C.. Call 214-544-0061 for a free consultation and case review today.

Source:

https://abc13.com/oak-ridge-high-school-science-teacher-convicted-conroe-isd-inappropriate-relationship-student-drugged-teenager-sexually-abused-by-bonnie-guess-mazock/12297688/

Teachers can often be placed in a difficult position when dealing with students. While some high school students may seem mature as they get closer to reaching the age where they are considered to be adults, teachers will still need to respect boundaries and avoid certain types of situations and interactions. Unfortunately, cases where teachers are accused of acting inappropriately are all too common. However, while there are a variety of interactions between teachers and students that some people may consider to be inappropriate, criminal charges for improper relationships between teachers and students will generally only apply if there is evidence that a teacher and student have engaged in sexual contact or sexual intercourse. An ongoing case in Conroe, Texas serves as a good example of the types of teacher-student relationships that may lead to arrests and criminal charges.

Conroe Teacher Accused of Having a Sexual Relationship With a High School Student

In January of 2022, a female science teacher at a high school in the Conroe school district was arrested and charged with having an inappropriate relationship with a student and indecency with a child. Law enforcement officials began investigating the teacher after the student’s family members reported that the teacher and student had been having a sexual relationship. According to these reports, the teacher and student had intercourse multiple times, and the student had spent the night at the teacher’s home. Online messages between the teacher and student also indicated that the teacher had given the student money to buy drugs, and the teacher had sent the student sexually explicit pictures of herself.

Based on these reports, the teacher may face criminal charges for multiple types of offenses. The charge of “inappropriate relationship between educator and student” may apply in any situation where a teacher or school employee engages in sexual contact or sexual intercourse with a student enrolled in elementary school, middle school, or high school. One defense against these charges may include showing that a teacher was no more than three years older than the student in question, and the teacher and student had a relationship before the person began working as a teacher. However, the teacher in this case is 36 years old, so this defense will not apply.

In addition to charges for an inappropriate relationship between a teacher and student, the teacher in this case could potentially face charges for online solicitation of a minor due to the messages and pictures she had sent to the student. However, online solicitation of a minor is a third-degree felony, while an inappropriate relationship between educator and student is a second-degree felony, so it is likely that prosecutors will pursue more serious charges. A person convicted of a second-degree felony may be sentenced to between two and 20 years in prison and fined up to $10,000.

Contact Our Tarrant County Crimes Against Children Defense Attorneys

Accusations of sex crimes involving children are taken very seriously. Teachers or others who are accused of having inappropriate relationships with children may not only face criminal charges but their personal reputations will be tarnished. At The Crowder Law Firm, P.C., we provide legal help and representation in these cases, helping those who have been accused determine their options and defend themselves in legal proceedings. Contact our Dallas sex crimes defense lawyers at 214-544-0061 to arrange a complimentary consultation.

Sources:

https://www.click2houston.com/news/local/2022/01/25/conroe-isd-high-school-science-teacher-arrested-accused-of-having-inappropriate-relationship-with-student/

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/docs/pe/htm/pe.21.htm

https://statutes.capitol.texas.gov/Docs/PE/htm/PE.33.htm#33.021