Records: On one of the victim’s visits to try on uniforms, she brought her friend who decided to record the interaction without the 50-year-old suspect’s knowledge.
UNIVERSAL CITY, Texas — A band teacher with First Baptist Academy in Universal City, northeast of San Antonio, has been arrested and is now facing multiple felony charges, including child grooming and indecency with a child, after investigators say he targeted a young student.
According to police, Stephen Charles Strawn, 50, is accused of grooming a student who was as young as 12 years old during some of the interactions.
The investigation began March 18, when the Universal City Police Department received a report through Child Protective Services.
“They are required to notify us of the report,” said Detective Sergeant Christopher Rosales.
Officers responded to First Baptist Academy on Pat Booker Road and interviewed the victim, where they say the allegations quickly met the criteria for child grooming.
“Somebody within authority of that person or that child — and they get them to engage in sexual conduct,” Rosales said, describing grooming behavior.
Investigators say Strawn began building trust with the victim through private French horn lessons, pulling her out of class starting in November 2025.
“First set up private lessons… sounds like he was trying to befriend her,” Rosales said.
Police say Strawn later asked the student to help model flag team uniforms — even though she was not part of the team and had never been.
“She wasn’t interested in flag… she’s never been part of the flag portion of the band,” Rosales said.
But investigators say the clothing he provided was not affiliated with the school at all.
“He took it upon himself to purchase these online… they’re a lot more revealing,” Rosales said. “That’s something staff would not approve.”
According to arrest records, Strawn allegedly asked the student to remove her bra during a fitting. She refused, but was told she might have to next time.
Police say during additional fittings, the student was asked to try on revealing tops while Strawn photographed her.
Investigators also allege Strawn used a measuring tape and his hands to touch the victim inappropriately.
“Doing inappropriate things with the measuring tape and his hands as well,” Rosales said. “After that, he made some derogatory comments… sexual in nature.”
Police say Strawn isolated the victim during these interactions — at one point sending her friends away so she would be alone in his office.
In another instance, a friend who remained became so concerned that she began secretly recording audio of the encounter.
“That’s how worried she was about the situation,” Rosales said. “The friend being concerned was a huge part of this being discovered.”
Investigators say the victim and another student initially confided in friends, before their parents were notified and contacted CPS.
Authorities now believe there could be additional victims.
“There could potentially be other victims,” Rosales said. “He did admit to doing the same thing… to another victim approximately two years prior.”
Strawn was listed as a band and yearbook teacher at the school and had reportedly been employed there for several years.
He was arrested and booked into the Bexar County Jail on bonds totaling $125,000 and has since bonded out.
The First Baptist Church of Universal City and First Baptist Academy said in a statement that leadership was not aware of the allegations until CPS arrived on campus.
The school says Strawn was immediately placed on administrative leave and is no longer serving on campus.
Anyone with additional information is urged to contact the Universal City Police Department.
The school’s full statement is below:
“First Baptist Church of Universal City and First Baptist Academy are aware of the recent arrest of a faculty member following an investigation initiated by Child Protective Services in coordination with the Universal City Police Department.
“On Monday, March 16, 2026, Child Protective Services visited the First Baptist Academy campus in response to a report involving an alleged inappropriate interaction between a teacher and a student. Prior to this visit, church and school leadership had not been made aware of the report or the alleged incident.
“Upon notification, the employee was immediately placed on administrative leave. The individual is no longer serving on campus. The church and academy are fully cooperating with law enforcement and Child Protective Services and are committed to supporting a thorough and transparent investigative process.
“The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority. We take this matter with the utmost seriousness and are committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and supportive environment for every child entrusted to our care. We are also working to provide appropriate care and support for students, families, and staff affected by this situation.
“Out of respect for the privacy of those involved and the integrity of the ongoing investigation, we will not be providing additional details at this time. We ask for continued prayer for those directly impacted, especially the students and families affected, as well as for our school community.”