A number of teachers and school staff members in Central Texas are currently under investigation for alleged sexual misconduct and improper relationships with students. These incidents have sparked concerns regarding student safety, leading to ongoing investigations in multiple districts.
Listed below are the recent incidents that have occurred in Central Texas, beginning in December of 2024:
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- December 19, 2024 – Copperas Cove ISD
- Suspect: Lawrence Dale Varela-Halbert, Band Director
- Allegation: Sexual assault of a child
- Status: Arrest affidavit requested; investigation ongoing
- January 16, 2025 – Bartlett ISD
- Teacher: Identity not released by district
- Allegation: Improper relationship between educator and student, sexual assault of a child
- Status: Arrested on January 15, 2025, booked into Bell County Jail (later released)
- Investigation: Request for arrest affidavit made, but case does not fall under Bell County jurisdiction; further inquiry sent to Williamson County District Clerk
- January 28, 2025 – Lampasas ISD
- Staff Member: Identity not released by district
- Allegation: Misconduct involving a student
- Status: Staff member resigned, investigation by police and sheriff’s department ongoing
- Status of arrest: None, no further details available
- January 28, 2025 – Killeen ISD
- Teacher: Identity not released by district
- Allegation: Inappropriate relationship with a student
- Status: Investigation ongoing, no arrest made
- January 29, 2025 – Robinson ISD
- Staff Member: Christopher Gonzales, 42
- Allegation: Improper relationship with a student, tampering with evidence
- Status: Arrested and booked in the McLennan County Jail (later released)
- February 7, 2025 – Bartlett ISD
- Staff Member: Identity not released by district
- Allegation: Improper relationship with a student
- Status: Placed on administrative leave
- Context: Second staff member from Bartlett ISD under investigation within two months for similar allegations
- December 19, 2024 – Copperas Cove ISD
Parents should be vigilant and watch out for warning signs, especially when it comes to suspicious communication through social media apps, according to Joseph Scaramucci, an expert in law enforcement and the director of law enforcement training and operations at Skull Games.
“When we start looking at things that are more secretive… whether they be a high schooler or as young as elementary on Snapchat, there’s no reason for that,” said Scaramucci.
RED FLAGS FOR PARENTS:
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- Reluctance to attend school
- Withdrawal from friends
- Unexplained mood swings
- Private messaging with teachers
- Use of apps that delete messages automatically
If parents suspect inappropriate conduct, Scaramucci suggests the following course of action:
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- Document all communications
- Take screenshots of messages
- Contact school district police immediately
- Avoid posting about the situation on social media
“Having that dinner time discussion, whatever that looks like, if that’s a weekly discussion… really setting aside that time to be a parent and sit down the phone, sit down the remote and sit with each other,” Scaramucci said.
Contrary to popular belief, investigations into inappropriate behavior involving teachers include both male and female educators. This challenges the prevailing notion that such cases predominantly involve male perpetrators.
“The overwhelming majority of teachers are good people that are trying to do good by our children,” Scaramucci added. “But don’t neglect anybody when it comes to the safety of your children.”
If parents have any concerns, it is important for them to reach out to their school district’s police department or administration right away.