A Houston Independent School District administrator has been charged with sexually assaulting a former student.
Westbury High School Assistant Principal Bryan Tigner was arrested two weeks ago and charged with sexually assaulting a 20-year-old former student, according to court records.
Former student Malachi Knight-Boyle said he met Tigner his senior year in high school, and his trust deepened after graduating from Westbury in 2022. The two began spending time together earlier this year.
“[He’s] like a good role model to certain guys that don’t [have] a good male role model in their life,” Knight-Boyle said.
According to court records, Knight-Boyle told investigators the two were hanging out at Tigner’s apartment. Knight-Boyle said the two were “smoking, drinking, and playing a game.”
At some point during the night, Knight-Boyle fell asleep and woke up with his pants halfway down and Tigner performing a sex act on him.
Knight-Boyle said he woke up punching and that Tigner was apologetic.
Shortly after the encounter, the former student called the police, and Tigner was arrested. His bail was set at $75,000, but he has since been released.
Investigators stated that Tigner admitted to performing the sex act, but he claims that Knight-Boyle moved closer to him on the sofa, and he took it as an invitation. However, Knight-Boyle claims they were “never sitting by each other.”
Tigner had said the two had hugged and kissed one another in the past and that the former student demanded money after the September 27 encounter. Knight-Boyle rejected the claim, saying he had turned down unsolicited offers of hush money.
Tigner was placed on leave after the district learned of the alleged assault.
Houston ISD made a statement acknowledging the district is aware of the incident and is working with law enforcement.
“HISD cannot comment on the status of any specific personnel issue or investigation. However, the district is aware of the incident and is cooperating with law enforcement,” the district wrote. “It is standard practice for any employee accused of a criminal offense to be removed from campus pending the outcome of the investigation.”
Dozens of Texas teachers and school employees have been charged with sex crimes involving students in recent years.
