A high school coach in Uvalde has been accused of having an “inappropriate relationship” with a student.
Alberto Joseph “AJ” Martinez, 30, was arrested Thursday on a charge of improper relationship between educator and student, a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison.
The offense includes sexual contact or sexually explicit communication with a student, regardless of the student’s age.
Martinez is an assistant football coach and head powerlifting coach at Uvalde High School in Uvalde Consolidated Independent School District.
According to the Uvalde Police Department, officers responded to a mental health crisis call on March 28.
“During this response, officers became aware of a potential criminal offense involving a UCISD employee, prompting a joint investigation by multiple agencies,” Uvalde PD wrote in an April 3 press statement.
After processing evidence and interviewing witnesses, authorities arrested Martinez.
The investigation involved the Uvalde Police Department, UCISD Police and Administration, the 38th Criminal District Attorney’s Office, Texas Rangers, Child Protective Services, and the Bexar County Sheriff’s Office.
Police said the investigation is ongoing and there may be additional victims.
Superintendent Ashley Chohlis wrote in a statement posted to social media that the district is “committed to transparency” about “recent events involving a UHS coach,” adding that “details are limited due to this being an open investigation.” She did not name Martinez.
Chohlis said the district is supporting the ongoing police investigation and that the district’s counseling staff is available as needed.
“Please trust that appropriate actions are being taken,” she added.
Martinez was booked into the Bexar County Adult Detention Center on April 3. The bail has not yet been set.
State records show that Martinez holds a teaching certificate for physical education.
A teacher and cheer coach in Huntsville ISD was also arrested Thursday and charged with improper relationship between educator and student.
So far this year, more than 50 Texas teachers and school employees have been accused of or sentenced for sex crimes involving students and other children.
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