Erik Raymond Neel, a former instructor at Alvin Community College and dual enrollment teacher for Alvin ISD and Pearland ISD, has been arrested on charges of child exploitation. He faces one count of online solicitation of a minor and two counts of possession or access of computer-generated child exploitation material. He is being held on a $450,000 bond, according to KHOU.
Pearland Police Department confirmed that the accusations against Neel are not related to any of his students. However, his work around youths in schools has raised concern among local parents. One parent told ABC13 the allegations were "troubling" and noted that her child was a student of Neel's last year. Pearland ISD is cooperating with the investigation and has notified the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and the State Board for Educator Certification.
"Please be assured that the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority," a Pearland ISD spokesperson said, as mentioned by KHOU. Alvin ISD also confirmed they are aware of the charges and are cooperating with the investigation. Neel, a former Alvin Community College employee, had taught dual credit students at Alvin High School and Manvel High School. Investigators say Neel believed he was communicating with someone under 15. Alvin Community College confirmed Neel is no longer with the school and emphasized student safety as a priority.
