A former Alvin Community College dual enrollment instructor has been arrested and charged with multiple child sex crimes, according to law enforcement and district officials.
Pearland police confirmed that Erik Neel, who worked as a contracted instructor at Turner College and Career High School and Dawson High School in Pearland Independent School District through the community college, was taken into custody as part of an ongoing investigation.
Neel faces three charges: online solicitation of a minor and two counts related to possession of computer-generated child pornography and sexual conduct.
Pearland ISD told ABC13, “The charges do not involve any Pearland ISD students. The District is fully cooperating with Pearland PD’s investigation. In addition, we have reported these allegations to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and the State Board for Educator Certification.”
Neel does not appear to hold a Texas teaching certificate.
District officials emphasized that student safety remains their “top priority,” and further details regarding Neel’s employment must be verified by the community college.
Alvin Community College confirmed that Neel is no longer employed there and reiterated its commitment to student safety.
According to investigators, Neel was apprehended after allegedly attempting online contact with someone he believed to be under the age of 15.
He is currently being held at the Brazoria County Jail on a $450,000 bond.
Parents at the affected high schools described the allegations as deeply troubling. “It worries me because my child was in his class last year,” one mother told local media.
The investigation is ongoing. Authorities are encouraging anyone with relevant information to contact the Pearland Police Department.
Neel is among hundreds of Texas educators accused of sex crimes involving students and other children in just the past few years.
