Improper Teacher-Student Relationships Are Happening Right Now – Let's Talk About It, Lewis! (citybaseblog.net)

Allen ISD teacher on administrative leave after indictment by grand jury, says district

ALLEN, Texas — Allen Independent School District has identified a teacher that's been indicted by a grand jury. He has been booked into the Collin County jail on charges related to sexually abusing a student, according to court documents. 

The district sent a statement on Tuesday naming the suspect as Tony Mattei from Curtis Middle School. They said he was hired as a substitute in 2019 and became a classroom teacher in August 2021. 

The district was not aware of the indictment until Monday when they sent the original statement and informed parents. 

At the time, the district wasn't aware of what Mattei had been indicted for but did point out that he faced a misconduct allegation in April 2022.  

“Allen ISD followed its investigation procedures in place, and based on available evidence, was unable to sustain the allegation,” the district said in a statement to parents Monday. 

Mattei was able to return to the classroom, however, the district said officials followed up on its investigation by notifying Child Protective Services of the incident. 

According to court documents obtained by WFAA Tuesday afternoon, Mattei has been accused of "intentionally and knowingly" engaging in sexual contact with a child under the age of 17 in two separate incidents --  in August and September of 2021. 

"It's heartbreaking and terrifying," Dan Powers with Children's Advocacy Center of Collin County said. He's stunned by the allegations against Mattei. 

"School is supposed to be a safe place for children, and it's not," he said.

As the investigation into Mattei continues, Allen ISD has said in a statement to parents that officials will continue to keep them up to date with the latest information.  

Mattei has been placed on administrative leave, the school district said. 

“Safety is one of the district’s top priorities and we will continue to make every effort to provide a safe educational environment for our students” said Allen ISD.

Allen ISD is also encouraging people who may have information surrounding this incident to email communications@allenisd.org. Comments may also be directed toward the Allen Police Department through Detective Jared McConathy at 972-633-6727. Anonymous tips may be sent to Allen ISD via text message by texting “AISD” and your tip to 847411 (TIP411). 
 

Former Irving ISD, Plano ISD teacher arrested for second time in recent months concerning sexual abuse of a child

IRVING, Texas — Editor's note: Above video previously aired when Victor Moreno was arrested in July 2022. 

A former teacher who taught in two North Texas school districts is facing additional charges after being arrested once again for sexually assaulting a child, the Irving Police Department announced Wednesday.

Victor Hugo Moreno, 28, was taken into custody for indecency with a child on Aug. 25. Irving Police said the case involves a female victim, who at the time of the assault, was between the ages of 13-14 years old.

Moreno was initially arrested on July 28, after being accused of continuous sex abuse of one of his students, a 7-year-old female, during his time as a second-grade teacher in Irving ISD during the 2020-21 school year.

Moreno also taught at Barron Elementary School in Plano ISD for the 2021-22 school year and was fired because of a code of conduct violation, Irving police said.

In July, Moreno was held in lieu of a $10,000 bond for the continuous sex abuse of a child charge, and an additional $5,000 bond for an improper relationship between a student and educator, police said. But Moreno posted bail later that same day and was released.

"Seeing someone like this get such a low bond from Dallas County and being able to bond out so easily is disappointing," an Irving police spokesperson said in a news conference following Moreno’s release. "I would say someone who is committing crimes against children is definitely someone who should have a higher bond."

Police said they believed there were additional victims of Moreno and encouraged anyone whose child could have interacted with him at either Irving ISD or Plano ISD to have those discussions with their children, family members and friends.

In August 2022, Irving police said another victim came forward.

Moreno is now currently in the Dallas County jail in lieu of a $100,000 bond.

The Irving Police Department is asking anyone who knows of a victim or is a victim of Moreno to call the department at 972-273-1010 or dial 911.

Teacher aide in Mesquite accused of having relationship with student, police say

BY DOMINGO RAMIREZ JR. UPDATED AUGUST 31, 2022 9:25 AM A teacher aide in Mesquite was arrested on Tuesday and accused of having a relationship with a student in the school district, Mesquite police said.

COURTESY: MCCLATCHY CO. File photo FORT WORTH A teacher aide in the Mesquite school district was arrested on Tuesday and accused of having a relationship with a student. Mesquite police identified the suspect as Bryan Garcia, 22, of Garland. Garcia faces two charges of sexual assault of a child and one count of indecency with a child, Mesquite police said. An investigation began Monday when Mesquite police received information about a possible improper relationship between an educator and a student at North Mesquite High School. That same day, detectives identified and contacted the suspect who was employed as a teacher aide in the Mesquite school district.

During the course of the investigation, Mesquite officers learned that Garcia had been communicating with students through phone apps, and the offenses were determined to have occurred during the spring semester of 2022. The investigation on the case continued on Wednesday. If anyone has information regarding any other offenses involving Garcia contact the Mesquite Police Department at 972-285-6336 or Investigator C. Smith at 972-216-6249.