A Little Elm charter school community has been shaken after a student’s outcry triggered a criminal investigation and the arrest of a former teacher, police said. Eric Moore, 30, who worked at North Texas Collegiate Academy’s East Campus, is accused of sexually abusing a student and is now charged with felony counts of continuous sexual abuse of a young child and indecency with a child. District officials said Moore was placed on administrative leave as soon as the allegation surfaced, and he later resigned.
According to the Little Elm Police Department, the investigation began on Jan. 7 and led to Moore’s arrest on Thursday. Denton County jail records show he was booked on the listed charges, and detectives are still collecting evidence as the case develops, as reported by The Dallas Morning News.
Police Say Multiple Victims, Support Offered
Little Elm police said there is more than one victim in the case, though investigators have not released an exact number while the probe continues. The department is coordinating with North Texas Collegiate Academy to connect impacted students and families with counseling and victim services, and officers urged anyone who may have information to contact investigators, according to CBS News.
What The Charges Mean
Under Texas law, continuous sexual abuse of a young child is a first-degree felony, one of the state’s most serious criminal charges. Indecency with a child by sexual contact is a second-degree felony. Both statutes carry the potential for lengthy prison sentences and steep fines, and convictions typically require registration as a sex offender, as outlined in the Texas Penal Code.
School Response And Next Steps
North Texas Collegiate Academy said it notified the appropriate authorities immediately after officials were informed of the allegation and has made counseling and other support services available to students and staff. “Our hearts are with our students, families, and staff as we navigate this difficult situation together,” the district said in a statement, according to The Dallas Morning News.
Investigation Ongoing
The Little Elm Police Department emphasized that the investigation remains active and again asked anyone with information to reach out to its Criminal Investigations Division. Officials also stressed that they are working to protect the privacy of the children and families involved as detectives continue their work, as reported by CBS News.
