A bio-medical science teacher at KIPP Houston High School was charged with multiple felony counts involving inappropriate contact with children.
On November 21, Preston Edmond Zimmerman was charged with two counts of sexual performance by a child, four counts of improper relationship with a student, and two counts of indecency with a child. According to court documents, at least six students have reported Zimmerman’s inappropriate behavior towards them.
A 16-year-old student reported multiple instances where Zimmerman got him into the classroom alone and touched him inappropriately; on one of these occasions, the teacher offered the student $15 to allow Zimmerman to perform oral sex on the student.
A 17-year-old student accused Zimmerman of setting a laptop on the student’s lap and touching him inappropriately under the computer. This particular methodology allegedly occurred numerous times to this specific student.
Another 16-year-old student reported that Zimmerman would try to touch him inappropriately with his elbow when he’d hand out students’ papers. This student also reported other instances of Zimmerman handing him other items, like AirPods, and touching him inappropriately during those interactions.
According to the court system, a warrant/citation has been issued for Zimmerman’s arrest, but the case status shows it to be inactive with no trial date set. The next setting date was originally November 25, but there has been no update since the day of the charges.
According to the Texas Judicial Branch, “an inactive case is a case in which no judgment has yet been entered, but the defendant is not available for adjudication, and the court cannot take further action.” This can also often result in a separate failure to appear charge.
Though Zimmerman has not yet been arrested, KIPP has released the following statement:
Earlier this semester, KIPP Houston High School was informed of allegations of misconduct involving a former employee and several students. Upon learning of these allegations, the school immediately notified the appropriate legal authorities and took swift action to ensure the safety of its students. The employee was immediately placed on administrative leave and then terminated, and he is not allowed on any KIPP Texas Public Schools property. The Houston Police Department (HPD) has since conducted a thorough investigation and shared that they intend to arrest the suspect. Throughout the investigation, KIPP Houston High School fully cooperated with HPD and followed their strict directive to withhold public communication until it was safe to do so without jeopardizing the integrity of their work. KIPP Texas Public Schools has zero tolerance for any staff member who brings harm to our students. We are deeply saddened and angered by the alleged actions of this former employee and extend our support to all those impacted. Our priority remains providing a safe and supportive learning environment for every student. We will continue to cooperate fully with HPD and the District Attorney’s Office and advocate for the strongest consequences possible through the criminal justice system.
Zimmerman does not appear to hold a Texas Teacher Certificate.
He is among dozens of Texas school employees charged with sex crimes involving students and other children.
