The Karnes County Sheriff’s Office says the employee is facing charges connected to an inappropriate relationship with a middle school aged student.
KARNES COUNTY, Texas — A Runge Independent School District employee has been arrested after an investigation revealed evidence of an improper relationship with a middle school student, according to the Karnes County Sheriff’s Office.
The sheriff’s office said it learned of the allegations Nov. 7 and launched an investigation that uncovered digital evidence confirming an ongoing intimate relationship between the school employee and the student.
Detectives said the employee was detained on Nov. 10 and later confessed to the actions. Investigators also found evidence that the employee tried to destroy or alter materials related to the case, leading to an arrest warrant for Tampering with or Fabricating Physical Evidence.
According to KCSO, the suspect was taken into custody without incident and booked into the Karnes County Jail. Additional criminal charges are expected as the investigation continues.
Sheriff’s officials said the case appears to be isolated, involving only one student and one school employee and that there is no known ongoing threat to the community. Officials did not say what job the suspect performed at the school.
Runge ISD Superintendent Hector O. Dominguez, Jr. released a statement to families on Nov. 10 confirming that the employee was immediately removed from the campus once the district became aware of the allegations.
STATEMENT FROM RUNGE ISD SUPERINTENDENT:
“Dear Parents and Guardians, Late last week, the District was made aware of an allegation against a district employee regarding criminal offenses involving a minor. The employee was immediately removed from the campus and is no longer employed by Runge ISD. Since then, the former employee has been detained by local law enforcement. Please know this is a breaking situation. The District is working in cooperation with law enforcement in the pending investigation. As always, the health and safety of all Runge ISD students, families, and staff is a priority. Any further inquiries should be directed to the Karnes County Sheriff’s Department. Please be assured that the District has taken steps to ensure the safety of Runge ISD students. Thank you for your continued support of Runge ISD and our students. Educationally Yours, Hector O. Dominguez, Jr. Superintendent”
Runge ISD said it has notified the Texas Education Agency and is taking steps to ensure the continued safety of students.
The sheriff’s office said the name of the suspect will be released after the initial court process is complete.