Another Texas teacher has been charged with a sex crime involving a child.
Tyler Independent School District officials notified families on Thursday that Tyler police had arrested a Three Lakes Middle School employee on charges of sexual assault of a child, a felony.
The message to Three Lakes parents and staff said “the incidents under investigation did not happen on school property” and the person under investigation “is no longer an employee of Tyler ISD.”
Police records show Andre Jefferson, 28, was arrested and booked into Smith County jail on Thursday, February 23, on charges of sexual assault of a child.
Jefferson was an In School Suspension (ISS) teacher or teacher assistant at Three Lakes Middle School. His name has been removed from the school’s staff roster, and an ISS assistant position at Three Lakes is posted on the district’s job listings.
The State Board for Educator Certification database does not have a record for Jefferson. As of publication, the state’s Do Not Hire Registry does not show him as a non-certified employee who is under investigation. Texas law requires school superintendents to report sexual misconduct allegations to state officials within seven business days.
In recent months, Texas Scorecard has reported on dozens of teachers and school employees across the state accused or convicted of sex crimes involving students and other children, including sexual assault, indecency with a child, distribution of child pornography, and improper relationship between educator and student.
Under Texas law, it is a second-degree felony for teacher or other school employee to engage in sexual conduct with a student of any age.
The message from Three Lakes staff urged anyone with knowledge of something inappropriate to notify campus administrators or police only. “Don’t spread it! Report it!”
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