A former Texas high school teacher, once lauded as 'teacher of the year', is facing termination after being hit with a barrage of sexual misconduct charges involving a former student. Brandyn Hargrove is accused of sexually assaulting a then-15-year-old girl for two years starting in 2007.
According to reports by Fox San Antonio, Hargrove, 43, was charged last month on six counts of sexual assault of a child, four counts of indecency with a child by contact, and two counts of indecency with a child by exposure. The former Brazoswood High School English teacher was indicted on December 19 and subsequently arrested. The Brazosport Independent School District responded by placing Hargrove on administrative leave, pending the result of a special board meeting that proposed her firing, a decision that is expected to be finalized on January 22.
The victim, who is now in her 30s, stepped forward in September and reported the past abuse to the police. Clute Police Department Chief James Fitch lamented the frequency of such incidents, stating, "Unfortunately, this happens more and more these days," in a statement obtained by the Ottawa Sun. He noted that the law regarding improper relationships between educators and students was not in effect back then, but emphasized the inherent trust placed in teachers and the significance of these types of allegations.
At the time of her arrest, Hargrove was celebrated as a teacher of the year, an accolade that now stands in stark contrast to the allegations brought against her. The Brazosport school district, in a statement, has pledged its commitment "to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity among our staff," acknowledging the disturbance such allegations cause within the community. They assure the safety, and well-being of their students is taken "very seriously."
