An East Texas teacher has been accused of having an improper sexual relationship with a student.
Anthony Jernigan, a 35-year-old government and economics teacher at Corrigan-Camden Independent School District, was arrested and charged with multiple counts of online solicitation of a minor and improper relationship between an educator and student.
The Texas Department of Public Safety said the teacher was arrested, following an investigation that began January 30, and placed in Polk County Jail.
However, the investigation is still ongoing and additional information about the case is unavailable at this time.
Corrigan-Camden ISD told KETK News that Jernigan is currently still employed with the district, but his continued employment will be discussed at the next school board meeting on February 19.
District officials also said after receiving reports of the incident, they removed Jernigan from the classroom and all education settings. They also said they reported the information to the Corrigan Police Department, Texas Child Protective Services, and the State Board of Educator Certification.
Online solicitation of a minor is a third-degree felony punishable by 2 to 10 years in prison, and improper relationship between an educator and student is a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison.
Corrigan-Camden ISD says the investigation is still in the early stages, but is urging parents to talk with their children to “ascertain whether an educator has ever engaged in communications with them either online or in person that made them feel uncomfortable.”
State records show that Jernigan’s teaching certificate has been expired since February 11, 2023.
Texas Scorecard has exposed dozens of educators charged with sex crimes, with more being charged almost daily.
