A regional custodial specialist in the Austin Independent School District was arrested by federal authorities and charged with sexually abusing a child.
Agustin Ibarra Lopez was arrested September 24 by U.S. Marshals on a felony charge of indecency with a child, according to a letter Austin ISD sent to district families on the 25th.
Talent Strategy Officer Brandi Hosack advised that Lopez had served as a custodian at several Austin ISD schools since 2016: Bowie High School (2016–17 and 2017–18 school years), Akins High School (2018–2021), Mendez Middle School (2022), Casey Elementary School (May 2022), and Anderson High School (2023-24 school year).
Hosack stated that in his current role, Lopez oversaw teams of custodians at 37 schools listed in the letter and would visit the campuses once monthly.
“At this time, we have no reason to believe that any Austin ISD students are involved in these charges,” wrote Hosack. “Our Austin ISD Police are working with the U.S. Marshals to determine if any misconduct occurred in relation to our schools. We will be sure to follow up if we learn of any new information that leads us to believe otherwise.”
She added that because the investigation remains active, the district will not be sharing additional details regarding the case.
Hosack directed anyone with information related to the investigation to contact Austin ISD Police at 512-414-1703.
Hundreds of Texas school employees have been accused of sex crimes involving students and other children in just the past few years.
Thousands of educator sexual misconduct complaints have been reported to the Texas Education Agency.
