A northeastern Texas school administrator was arrested and charged with failing to report allegations that her adult son sexually assaulted a child.
Karla Florence was the assistant principal at Arp Elementary in Arp Independent School District.
The Arp Police Department arrested Florence and her son on August 26.
Karla Florence was charged with failure to report, a Class A misdemeanor, and false report to a police officer, a Class C misdemeanor.
Her son, 21-year-old Blake Emmanuel Florence, was charged with sexual assault of a child, a second-degree felony, and tampering with physical evidence, a third-degree felony. His victim is not believed to be an Arp ISD student.
The arrests resulted from a “comprehensive and collaborative investigation conducted by the Arp Police Department, with assistance from law enforcement partners,” according to an APD statement.
Police said the charges against Karla Florence reflect her “alleged failure to provide accurate and truthful information to investigators, as well as her legal duty, under Texas law, to report knowledge of a felony offense when serving in her capacity as an educator.”
“The protection of children and the preservation of community trust remain our highest priorities,” stated APD Chief Joe Keegan. “The Arp Police Department is committed to pursuing justice wherever the evidence leads and will continue to dedicate every available resource to this case.”
Keegan stated that the investigation is ongoing, and additional charges may be filed as more evidence is reviewed.
“Due to the sensitive nature of the allegations and to protect the victim involved, no further information will be released at this time,” added Keegan. He said APD would provide updates as appropriate.
Karla and Blake Florence were both booked into the Smith County Jail on August 26 and later released.
Arp ISD officials stated that the charges do not involve any students or other staff members and the incidents did not take place on district property.
Karla Florence is no longer listed as the Arp Elementary assistant principal but is still shown in the staff roster as a dyslexia teacher.
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