Dallas, TEXAS

Teacher Accused Of Driving & Smoking Crack

October 30, 2008 - Donald Johnson,, 47, a special education teacher at Molina High School, was charged with evading arrest and possession of cocaine after a slow speed chase by police. Police say during the pursuit, they could see Johnson smoking crack as he drove.

Johnson called 911 during the chase to report the police were chasing him. Police recovered drugs from his vehicle when the chase ended. Police used spike strips to blow out the car's tires. Officers used a taser to get Johnson out of the car, afraid that he had overdosed. Johnson was taken to a hospital by an ambulance for observation.

The Dallas Independent School District said it is reviewing the incident determine whether any action would be taken against the employee. Ya think?
Full Name: Donald Keith Johnson
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SCHOOL INFO: Moisés E. Molino High School rates a 4 (with 10 being the best) at GreatSchools.net. Test scores aren't thrilling in math or science. The school has 1993 students in grades 9-12.

We puzzled a bit over a link at the school website.
"Information to parents about cheese" (right hand column.) It turned out the link was to a warning about a black tar heroin and Tylenol PM mix with the street name of .. cheese.

Houston, TEXAS

Tipped off that someone was smoking marijuana behind the elementary school.

October 30, 2008 - Susan Michael, 51, a teacher at Whittier Elementary, was arrested after someone called into a tip line to report that someone was smoking marijuana behind the school.

Police took in drug dogs and got a hit on a car in the parking lot. After authorities got consent to search it, police found three rolled cigarettes with green leafy substance and a small amount of Hydrocodone in the car.

Michael was arrested and charged with possession of a controlled substance in a drug free zone.
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SCHOOL INFO: The school rates 3 (with 10 being the highest) at GreatSchools.net. Student population is 95% Hispanic and 3% White and 2% Black. Eligible for free or reduced-price lunch program = 87%. of the student population.

San Antonio, TEXAS

Entirely sympathetic story of a teacher who helped his students cheat.

October 29, 2008 - The news report begins, "Every year, the pressure of the TAKS test is just too much. Your kids fear they may fail and their teachers fear they may lose their jobs."

As state lawmakers consider making changes to the TAKS, News 4 Trouble Shooter Mireya Villarreal is breaking news of how the pressure of the TAKS pushed one teacher to do what he should never do: Help his students cheat.

News 4 obtained documents from the Texas Education Agency that show several local teachers under scrutiny because they didn't follow TAKS testing policy last spring. That includes one Northside School District teacher who said he gave his students answers all because the stress of the TAKS was too much to handle.

The reporterette Mireya Villarreal asked him about it.

Do you feel like what you did was wrong," Villarreal asked.

Neesvig answered, "I broke a policy. I can't deny that. Do I regret what I did? Unfortunately, I would say I would do it over again the same way."

They asked him why.

News 4 asked the teacher why he would do something that clearly broke test-taking policy. He claimed it has to do with the pressure to perform placed on students and teachers.

Neesvig said, "A lot of emphasis is placed on the TAKS test. And I think it doesn't necessarily have the best outcome for the children or the teachers."

Concluding sentence: After our interview with Burton Neesvig, we received notice he resigned from his teaching position.
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TT - The students were in his fourth grade math class. The school was Thorton Elementary School. There was little need to cheat. Students would have scored well by themselves.

In 2007-2008 this school was acknowledged by the Texas Education Agency for the following
Commended Performance in Reading/English Language Arts, Mathematics, Writing, Science, and Reading/English Language Arts. They have performed similarly well in previous years.

In 2007-2008 in Math 96% of fourth graders met or exceeded standards.
The State average was 83%.
Students score similarly well in all the grades and in all areas. They exceeded the state average in 2005, 2006, and 2007.

Why would a teacher provide answers to students who didn't need them? Teachers and teacher unions in Texas are adamantly opposed to TAKS. Like most tests, the examinations rate the performance of the teacher more than the student because they measure what is being taught. And, more importantly, not taught. Which is why the unions and their political allies have tried to undermine the tests for years.

A student turned the teacher in. Something you suspect the reporterette would never have done.

Breckenridge, TEXAS

October 28, 2008 - Arrested in a drug sting along with a dozen others were Dawn McDaniel, who teaches at South Elementary in Breckenridge, and her husband Michael Shaun McDaniel.

During the past 12 months the task force, while working in an undercover capacity, made numerous purchases of drugs from individuals throughout Eastland County, including methamphetamine, cocaine and marijuana.

More arrests are expected in the following days.
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OTHER:
- The school rates a 4 (with 10 being highest) at GreatSchools.net
The school has 350 students in grades 4 to 6.
Google map of Breckenridge via GreatSchools.net
- Wikipedia entry for Breckenrige
- Location Stevens County

Splendora, TEXAS

October 9, 2008 - Elena Ducoing, 40, a first grade teacher at Greenleaf Elementary School in the Splendora Independent School District, was arrested, accused of trafficking drugs and money laundering. Ducoing was indicted Sept. 30.

Investigators believe she is linked to one of the most violent drug trafficking organizations in Mexico, Los Zetas Gulf Cartel. (Wikipedia entry.) Last month her husband, Roberto Munoz, 47, was arrested for his suspected role in the cartel. Investigators believe he was moving drugs in and out of the U.S. and laundering millions of dollars

Police found 10 pounds of marijuana and three grams, a money-counting machine, $2,300 in cash and other items used to package and transport money and drugs and 3 grams of cocaine in her possession. The drugs were found in the couple's master bedroom closet and garage. The couple have three children.

Members of the Los Zetas/Gulf Cartel are believed to be responsible for numerous murders, kidnappings and other violent crimes in Mexico and in the United States. The MCSO Special Investigative Unit began surveillance under the advice of the Drug Enforcement Administration and watched the couple for more than six months prior to the arrest.
Full Name: Elena Aranda Ducoing
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Conroe Courier News (Oct. 8)
SIU arrests Splendora teacher for drugs

Click2 Houston (Oct.9)
Teacher Accused Of Drug Trafficking, Money Laundering

Houston Chronicle (Oct. 9)
Splendora ISD teacher, husband arrested on drug charges

ABC 13 (Oct. 9)
Teacher arrested for alleged drug trafficking

Washington Times (Oct. 26)
FBI warns of drug cartel arming

USA Today (Oct 2)
9 bodies dumped near day care in Tijuana
About 30 people have been killed in drug-related violence in the past week in the border city, including what appeared to be the remains of two people stuffed in a barrel and dissolved with acid.

Guardian UK (Oct 5)
Drug cartel bloodbath on Mexican border claims 50 lives

Corrigan, TEXAS

How do you explain to fourth graders that their teacher is in jail?

October 28, 2008 - Jennifer Hudspeth, a fourth grade teacher at Corrigan-Camden Elementary School was arrested and charged with online solicitation of a minor.

Polk County Sheriff's Office says that Jennifer Hudspeth allegedly sent explicit text messages to 15 and 16 year old boys.

The Sheriff's Office began investigating the matter after a parent came forward, saying 15 and 16 year olds boys were getting the texts.

OTHER INVESTIGATIONS IN THE DISTRICT
October 15 - KTRE reported on "Investigations continue for Corrigan teachers"
In addition to Hudspeth being investigated, a coach who allegedly came to a game intoxicated has been relieved of some duties.

"He was a teacher/coach. We've taken his coaching assignment away. He's in the classroom doing fine."

The Junior High Principal resigned last month after allegations of viewing child pornography online at school.

"The employee has resigned and that's Ray Bostick and he was a Jr. High Principal for a number of years and at risk coordinator. He has an investigation ongoing also," says [Superintendent Tom] Bowman.

A board member was also reprimanded for sending inappropriate emails to teachers.

The district reported Hudspeth to the State Board of Educators Certification and the Child Protective Service.
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Arresting Agency: Polk County Sheriff's Office
County: Polk County

Keller, TEXAS

August 25, 2007 - Aaron Pompa, 25, assistant band director at Keller High School, was arrested and is expected to be charged with having a sexual relationship with a 16-yar-old female student.

The girl confessed to her parents and they contacted police. Pompa is expected to be charged in the next few days with having an improper relationship between an educator and a student. It has been a second degree felony in Texas since 2003.

Pompa resigned August 13, just days before his arrest on August 17. Pompa is married.
Full Name: Aaron Daniel Pompa

August 29 - Police seized several items from Pompa's home, according to according to arrest and search warrant affidavits that were released. According to the affidavits, authorities seized green sofa cushions and a box containing six condoms from Pompa's home Aug. 22.

SENTENCED (Sorta) October 28, 2008 - Pompa pleaded guilty to sexual assault of a child under 17 years old October 20 in Criminal District Court No. 2 in Fort Worth. He was sentenced today to 10 years of probation.

Pompa, who was married at the time, was arrested Aug. 17, 2007.
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TT - Sexual assault of a child under 17 years old is a felony. The conviction will show up on any background check done on him for the rest of his life. He will never teach again in any classroom in any state. And he will have to admit the conviction on any employment application for any job and try to explain that to an employer.

Fort Stockton, TEXAS

We have absolutely no idea why this story was in a New Zealand paper. But we loved the headline:
"Disgraced Texas teacher sent students porn"

October 28, 2008 - Jaime Steen, 26, was arrested and charged with selling, distributing or displaying harmful material to a minor, a misdemeanour punishable by 180 days to a year in jail.

The investigation began after school officials started looking into allegations that Steen had recently purchased beer for five teenage boys, Fort Stockton police Lt. Louis Hernandez said. Police investigators found she had been sending adult pornographic pictures in the form of jokes as text messages, he said.
Full Name: Jaime Katheryn Steen

Steen was a first-year agriculture teacher at Fort Stockton High School. She resigned.
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Comment at the story in a San Angelo, TX newspaper:

Quite a number of persons who are willing to risk their careers and education for the sake of wanting to keep "being young" and seen as "cool". Personality disorders and issues need to be addressed for persons who go into education or any other field that work with children in order to avoid problems/incidences that can result in some serious consequences.

Only foreign journalists would label her "disgraced." Our journalists have no acquaintance with the word.

Diana, TEXAS

There's nothing like an angry mom!!

October 27, 2008 - John Tiger, 39, a first-year coach and teacher in the New Diana Independent School District, was arrested on a charge of online solicitation of a minor of a minor age 14 and under.

Tiger had previously coached and taught at Union Hill High School. He maintained contact with at least one Union Hill student after he left the district and on Friday sent text messages to a 15-year-old Union Hill student.

Based on the nature of the text messages, the mother and child came to the Upshur County Sheriff's Office. Officials began an investigation. Text messages continued in the presence of law enforcement, and it was agreed that Tiger would meet the girl after a New Diana football game that night. When he arrived at the meeting location, he was arrested.

The District Attorney said the girl was 14 when the texting started and that she turned 15 on Saturday. The D.A. expects other charges to be filed. Upshur county officials are also investigating.

Tiger graduated high school in Commerce, Okla., according to his biography listed on New Diana's athletics Web site. He attended the University of Oklahoma and graduated from East Texas State University in Commerce.
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LEGAL INFO: (From the story.) According to the Texas Penal Code, a person older than 17 can be charged with online solicitation of a minor if he knowingly solicits a minor (someone younger than 17) to meet someone, including himself, with the intent that the minor will have sexual contact or sexual intercourse. This includes messages via the Internet or by cell phone text.
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TT - There are three schools in the district. All are rated 9 (with 10 being the highest) at GreatSchools.net. The article doesn't say where he teaches.
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KLTV 7 (Oct. 27) KLTV 7 spoke off-camera with the mother of the girl. QUOTE The mother says she took her daughter's cell phone and pretended to be her daughter, replying to Tiger's text. She then set up a meeting with Tiger. The mother says through the text messages, Tiger asked her if they could meet at her house in Union Hill for sex.

After Tiger took the bait, authorities arrested him on a street in front of her house Saturday night. UNQUOTE

According to the girl's mother, Tiger had been sending the text messages for a year.

She says because Tiger never texted what she referred to as 'super-explicit' words the mother never had concrete evidence before this to give authorities.

Tiger is a coach at a coach at New Diana High School. He is on paid administrative leave.

RESIGNATION October 31 - . John Tiger submitted a resignation letter to the school district on Wednesday, Superintendent Patrick Clark said.

Tuscola, TEXAS

October 14, 2008 - Kaleb Tierce, 26, an English teacher and assistant football coach at Jim Ned High School, was arrested on three counts of attempted improper relationship between educator and student after his indictment.

In the indictments, the 26-year-old Tierce is charged with three counts of attempted improper relationships with students after he allegedly sought sexual favors from three female students in the latter part of 2005.

Kaleb Tierce was suspended in 2005 after complaints were lodged against him over his placement of Cormac McCarthy's disturbingly controversial book Child of God on his freshman class' reading list.

October 14 - From the Sun (UK) in lurid headlines: "'Sex book' row teacher charged"
The book contained passages about a murderer who has sex with his victims’ bodies. Tierce was placed on paid leave by his school as parents and pupils rallied to his defence.

Amid the book uproar, most people in the town of 700 seemed to rally around Tierce. Some students and athletes even wore armbands emblazoned with Tierce’s initials.

October 25 - "Teacher's investigation began three years ago"
- In March, Jim Ned school district trustees voted not to renew Tierce's teaching contract for the 2008-09 school year.

Tierce's Texas educator certificate on the State Board for Educator Certification's Web site says he is under review by the SBEC Professional Discipline Unit. The review is standard when an educator is being investigated by law enforcement for alleged criminal conduct and could result in the state board revoking the teacher's certification.

Tierce is now self-employed and makes money by doing odd jobs.

October 26 - "Hurtful things said about daughter in Jim Ned controversy"
Article by a mother of a girl who endured criticism of other students because of their objections to the book. Read the whole thing.

Houston, TEXAS

Sentenced to 60 years in prison.

Dec 13, 2006 - Brandy Lynn Gonzales, 27, a Piney Point Elementary teacher, and her husband, Johnny Gonzales, 31, were arrested "over the alleged sexual assault of five of her ex-students."

Brandy quit teaching at Park Place Elementary in 2005. The asaults took place in 2004. The boys were aged eight to ten. The assaults began in the classroom and escalated. They are due back in court Jan 12.

One report: she and her husband confessed to the assaults.

GUILTY PLEA August 5, 2008 - Brandy Gonzales pleaded guilty to four counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and one count of indecency with a child. Her husband pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a child.

Prosecutors say the couple sexually assaulted five boys who were fifth-graders.

Prosecutors say the students alleged the former teacher would touch them under their desks and sexually assaulted them at her apartment and at movie theaters.

They will be sentenced in October.

SENTENCED October 24 - Gonzales was sentenced to 60 years in prison* for four counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child and one count of indecency with a child. She tearfully testified about how she sexually abused the boys, between 11 and 13 years old.

One of the boys was sexually assaulted by Brandy and Johnny Gonzales after he sought help from Brandy Gonzales because of physical abuse at home. He attempted suicide after the revelations of the sexual encounters, [Prosecutor Denise] Oncken said.

Brandy's husband, Johnny Gonzales, 33, pleaded guilty to aggravated sexual assault of a child. He was sentenced to 15 years in prison.

[In] handing down the sentence, Judge Mike McSpadden told her, "Rather than educate our children, you chose to violate their trust in a horrific way."

"I feel she's a very serious sex offender and one that does not need to be out in our community again, around children, especially school-age children," Oncken said.

* The sentence was 40 years for each aggravated sexual assault conviction, and 20 years for sexual indecency with a child. The terms will be served concurrently.

Teacher Layoffs

NEWS ITEM

October 17, 2008 - The Dallas Independent School District laid off 375 teachers and 40 counselors and assistant principals Thursday. They transferred 460 teachers to other schools within the district.

The deficit was caused by a massive miscalculation in the budget, CNN affiliate WFAA-TV reported.

Children, one crying, crowded Thursday around Mary Crose, a music teacher at San Jacinto Elementary School.

"I've had them since they were in kindergarten," she told The Dallas Morning News, as she wrapped her arms around two of the children. "We've been through a lot at our school, and it's going to be so hard. We need the prayers and support of everyone in Dallas."

"Why do you have to leave?" a girl wailed, through her tears.

Previous Layoffs
The district has more than 11,500 teachers. Last week, 152 employees -- including clerks, office managers and teacher assistants -- voluntarily left their jobs, the district said. On September 29, 62 central staff members lost their jobs.
.
The Dallas Independent School District is the nation's 12th largest, with more than 160,000 students. The projected deficit is $84 million.
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TT - Doing the math, it means there was one teacher for every 14 students before the layoffs. That seems to be an extravagance, to say the least.

But sadder yet, is the need to inflict the story on children.

El Paso, TEXAS

48 months in prison, followed by 10 years of probation. Registration as a sex offender for life.

March 20, 2008 -
Eduardo Rivas, 55, a fifth-grade teacher at Bliss Elementary School, was arrested, accused of fondling a student, according to the FBI.

Rivas had recently resigned from the school that is on federal property making it a case for the FBI. The incident allegedly took place on campus. The student, whose gender was not revealed, was younger than 12.

Rivas was arrested on a charge of abusive sexual contact with a minor. He will have his initial court appearance before a U.S. magistrate judge on Thursday afternoon.

TT - School is listed as Bliss Elementary School at the El Paso ISD.

Anyone with information on this case may call the FBI at 832-5000.

March 20 - The El Paso Times is reporting that the criminal complaint stated that Rivas admitted to FBI and military investigators that he fantasized about children and that he intentionally brushed up against female students since he began teaching in 1978-79.

According to a criminal complaint filed by an FBI agent, Rivas alleged touched the breasts of 10-year-old girl, while helping her on March 7 when she hurt her ankle at Bliss Elementary School on Fort Bliss.

BOND April 1 - Despite prosecution's efforts to hold Rivas without bond because they consider him a flight risk, U.S. Magistrate Richard P. Mesa signed an order on Monday granting Eduardo Rayo Rivas, 55, a $10,000 bond.

Conditions of Release (from KVIA ABC)

GUILTY PLEA & SENTENCING Oct 9 - Rivas pleaded guilty earlier this year to inappropriately touching a 10-year-old girl in his 5th grade class at Bliss Elementary.

Judge David Briones sentenced Rivas to 48 months in prison, plus 10 years probation, adding "I wish I could give you a higher sentence Mr. Rivas, but I can't." Forty-eight months was the maximum confinement time.

Rivas will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of his life.

Rivas is still certified to teach in Texas, and has been for 30 years, although he is currently under review from the State Board of Education. Rivas has taught at at least three other schools before teaching at Bliss.

Sunnyvale, TEXAS

Middle school teacher sentenced to ten years in prison, followed by 15 years of supervised release and registration as a sex offender.

June 14, 2007 - Police arrested Chad Hutchins, 28, a computer teacher at Sunnyvale Middle School, for possession of child pornography.

Someone tipped off police that Hutchins had child pornography. The Sunnyvale Independent School District chose not to renew his contract this year for reasons not associated with the arrest. Before taking the Sunnyvale job, he taught at the Texas Can! Academy in Dallas

Bail is set at $50,000.
Full Name: Chad Michael Hutchins

June 15 - From Pegasus News: Law enforcement officials indicate that Hutchins may have corresponded with female Jr. High students through Myspace.com. They also include the press release from the school district.

GUILTY PLEA & SENTENCING Hutchins, who pleaded guilty in May to one count of child pornography possession, was sentenced to 10 years in prison. The judge also ordered that Hutchins serve 15-years of supervised release following prison and register as a sex offender.
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U.S. Dept. of Justice Press Release (dated October 10, 2008)

Hutchins admitted, in documents filed in Court, that on June 12, 2007, he owned three computers at his residence in Forney, and that he knew that they contained hundreds of images of child pornography. He further admitted that some of the images were of prepubescent minors and some portrayed sadistic and/or masochistic conduct. He possessed well over 600 images, many of which he obtained by using the computers on which he had installed file sharing software.

Child Pornography and Educators
TT - List of educators sentenced for child pornography.
TT - List of educators guilty, but not yet sentenced.

San Antonio, TEXAS

20,000 images depicting minors engaged in sexually explicit conduct.

September 20, 2008 - Dennis Jasso, 33, a former* Sam Houston High School band director, was indicted by a federal grand jury on Wednesday on two counts of distributing child pornography and one count of possessing it. FBI agents arrested Jasso Friday.

Jasso's home was searched in December 2007 and computers seized had thousands of images of minors engaging in sexual conduct. F.B.I. agents are calling it one of the largest cases of child pornography they've ever seen in this area.

Investigators told News 4 the sexually explicit images Jasso kept on his computer were of babies to 11-year-olds seen engaging in sex acts with other kids and adults. They said Jasso was sharing the porn with others online.
Full Name: Dennis Joseph Jasso

* Jasso worked at Sam Houston High School from August of 2006 to May of 2007. When arrested, he was realtor at a Keller Williams. He was fired Friday afternoon.
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U.S. Dept. of Justice Press Release (dated September 19, 2008)

On December 21, 2007, FBI agents executed a search warrant at the defendant’s residence and seized his personal computer and related media.

A subsequent forensic examination revealed the presence of over 20,000 images depicting minors engage in sexually explicit conduct.

Austin, TEXAS

The 7-year-old victim could describe the child pornography she was shown.

September 3, 2008 - Steven Golka, 40, a science teacher at the Oaks Treatment Center, was arrested two weeks and charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child. Police say Golka knew the 7-year-old and over a period of four to five months, he forced her to perform sex acts with him at his house. He also forced her to look at images on his computer, which is why he faces charges of child pornography possession.

Also, police said Golka's alleged victim was able to provide extensive information to them on the abuse.

"[The information was] very sexual descriptive stuff that a 7-year-old wouldn't have the knowledge of," Austin Police Department Det. Greg White said. "She's also able to describe certain activities on his computer she termed as 'gross stuff' -- acts that she said was between grown ups and children. She also described certain fetishes he might have."

Full Name: Steven Ronald Golka

Deer Park, TEXAS

Sentenced, if you call it a sentence.

Feb 14, 2008 - Emily Janes, 23, a Deer Park High School teacher, was arrested, charged with having an improper relationship with an 18-year-old student, a second-degree felony.

Prosecutors said Janes and the teen allegedly had a sexual relationship for about a month that began in late December 2007. An anonymous tip led police to investigate a possible relationship between them. State law prohibits sexual contact between teachers and students, regardless of the student's age.

Janes resigned from the school on Monday, the same day the criminal complaint was filed. Janes taught 11th-grade English. Janes, who is married, is free on $30,000 bond and is scheduled to appear in court March 13.
Full Name: Emily Kate Janes

GUILTY PLEA June 25, 2008 - Janes pleaded guilty Wednesday to having sex with one of her students. She will be sentenced later this summer.

An anonymous tip led Deer Park police to investigate a possible relationship between them. It was her first teaching job. Janes is married.
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LEGAL NOTE: It is illegal for a teacher to have sex with a student in Texas even if the student is the legal age of consent. It is a 2nd degree felony. The law was passed in 2003.
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SENTENCED (Sorta) August 28 - Janes was sentenced to four years deferred adjudication.

(Deferred Adjudication, as explained in an article found on the Texas Bar Association site. Found here. "Deferred Adjudication is a special form of judge-ordered community supervision (commonly known as "probation”) that permits the defendant to accept responsibility for a crime without automatically suffering all of the consequences of a formal finding of guilt and sentence.")

"If a defendant successfully completes a deferred adjudication, the judge must dismiss the case against the defendant, leaving the official record to show that the defendant has not been convicted of a crime."

Harrold, TEXAS

Teachers in this Texas school district will be packing this fall. And not for a trip.

August 15, 2008 - The board of the Harrold Independent School District unanimously approved a plan to allow teachers and staff members who are certified to carry a concealed handgun in Texas to carry concealed guns in school this fall.

Teachers who want to carry have to have permission from school officials. They will receive crisis training in hostile situations and will be required to use ammunition designed to minimize the risk of ricocheting bullets.

The reason? The school is a 30-minute drive to the Walbarger County Sheriff's Office.
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Google map location. The district has 1 school with 113 students.

TT - What else can you say except, God Bless, America! These folks in a remote rural town take their responsibility to protect students seriously.

Houston, TEXAS

Eight years of probation but lifetime registration as a sex offender.

Feb 19, 2008 - Christopher Evans, 26, a New Heights Christian Academy teacher, was arrested and faces two counts of sexual assault and one of indecency with a child for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old student. He had a reputation for touching and kissing female students.

An investigation was launched by police after parents of the 15-year-old complained to the school, said they got no satisfaction and filed a police report. There were, apparently, prior complaints because police say Evans ridiculed students who lodged complaints against him.

Police say the alleged assaults took place in the home he shared with his pregnant wife.

Evans is the son-in-law of the school principal Richard Walters. Walters said today that Evans' mother, grandmother and wife also work at the school. Police said school records obtained under court subpoena do not establish that Evans has a college degree or any teaching credentials. But Walters said today Evans has a degree from the University of Houston completed in the last several years. He estimated Evans taught at the school for about five years.

Anyone who has information can call the juvenile division at 713-731-5353 or 713-731-5498.

GUILTY PLEA & SENTENCING August 18 -Click2Houston: Evans pleaded guilty to two counts of sexual assault of a child. [He actually pleaded guilty to one count of indecency with a child, according to the Houston Chronicle. See below.] The plea agreement called for an eight-year adjudicated sentence. However, Judge Vanessa Valasquez demanded he apologize to the victim.

"I think it's only right, based on what was done, and the fact that the state's given you a break that you apologize to this woman, this young lady, for what you’ve done," the judge said.

Evans responded in a low voice.

"I didn’t hear you," the judge said.

He tried again, but still did not satisfy Velasquez.

"Were you somebody that was supposed to be trusted? Wasn't she a student? Didn't you take advantage of her? Well then, I think you ought to say a heck of a lot more than, 'I'm sorry. I apologize.' Turn around and apologize appropriately for what you've done," she said.

Evans apologized a fourth time in a tone still difficult for spectators to hear, but loud enough to satisfy the judge.

Evans is married with a small child. [Chronicle says he has two children.]

Houston Chronicle: (August 18) Evans pleaded guilty to indecency with a child in exchange for eight years of probation and a $500 fine. Criminal defendants who successfully complete the terms of deferred adjudication avoid final conviction, but the fact that they were charged remains a part of their record.

Evans must register a sex offender for life. His visits with his two children must be supervised

Houston, TEXAS

Grand jury declines to indict.

We don't usually cover those teacher-student fight cases when the teacher is arrested but this one has some interesting twists.

June 6, 2008 - Andre Credit, 32, an associate principal at Bush High School, was arrested Tuesday and charged with aggravated assault. A student says Credit put him in a choke hold and slammed him to the ground following a food fight where the student threw a plastic bottle. The student reportedly suffered bruises and paramedics were called to treat the student at the school.

Today, ABC13 news learned that Credit was convicted of misdemeanor theft twice. The convictions happened in 1995, then in 1996. At the time he was 20 and 21 years old. He's now 32. Each time he was given a year of probation. For the '96 conviction he was sentenced to 180 days in jail. He worked at Houston Independent School District before Fort Bend hired him a year despite those convictions.

The school district reaction: "It is not a practice of the district to hire employees with felony convictions, and the district evaluates misdemeanor convictions on a case by case basis prior to employment."

The case has turned into a drama. The student talked to Eyewitness News and Credit had a press conference in front of the school surrounded by his wife and infant son and "a slew of professional colleagues, (a slew looks to be 6) some of whom are principals at area high schools" (described by the Houston Chronicle merely as "friends." ) The teachers union had a press conference to demand further investigation. Ominously, "there are questions about the handling of the investigation into the Bush disturbance."

They claim police set students down at a table to write out their statements without monitoring them and the students consulted each other. Fort Bend police say that was the administration investigation, not theirs. They talked to students separately.

A student took a cell phone picture of the takedown of the student that really makes you cringe for the facedown student. (Seen briefly in this video report.) Teachers at the school seem to be feeding the media info about the student. That he has an extensive disciplinary record and "He has had issues with being disruptive and disrespecting authority in the past,” one person on campus said, which doesn't sound like a high schooler talking.
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Unrelated to the case, a federal judge ruled Friday the valedictorian at Bush High School will not be allowed to participate in his graduation ceremony. Khurrum Khan is facing charges of felony property theft for his alleged role in what district officials described as a scheme involving missing computers at that school and computer hacking at another school. He sued when the school district said he could not attend the graduation ceremony in light of his conduct. The judge's ruling.

June 8 - TT - What has become increasingly interesting is the automatic assumption that police were incompetent and acted in bad faith in arresting the administrator. At least, those are the public postings, the emotion fed, it looks like, by the teachers union.

In Texas, the battlelines are drawn between the teachers union and anyone else who wants a say in education issues. Including elected representatives. This appears to be a case of overreaction by an administrator that, luckily, only bruised the student but might have caused severe injury. The police made a call on scene. Until evidence is presented at a preliminary, it is hard to form any opinion, but the hype seems to be way out of proportion. SERIOUSLY way out of proportion. It's the kind of hissy fit hysteria that activists like to throw. What we would like to know is if Credit is a union representative at the school or very active in the union. Or if Credit's priors were a factor.

NO INDICTMENT August 18 - A Fort Bend County grand jury declined to indict Credit.