A now-former Pearland high school teacher’s aide is accused of sending sexually explicit messages and videos to a 14-year-old student.
Jerel Ward Griffin, 41, was arrested Wednesday and charged with online solicitation of a minor, a third-degree felony.
Griffin worked as an instructional aide at Dawson High School in Pearland Independent School District. He was fired after the allegations arose earlier this month.
On March 6, the student reportedly told school resource officers that Griffin had sent sexually explicit text messages, images, and videos over several months, using a cell phone he gave the student last year.
According to investigators, a forensic analysis confirmed the allegations.
The Pearland Police Department arrested Griffin on March 26. He was booked into the Brazoria County Jail later that day.
Police say the investigation is ongoing.
Pearland ISD officials said they are cooperating with the police investigation and reported the allegations to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and State Board for Educator Certification as required by law.
State records show that Griffin’s teaching certificate is under review by the Texas Education Agency.
Griffin is among hundreds of Texas teachers charged with sex crimes involving students and other children in just the past few years.
