A band teacher at First Baptist Academy in Universal City has been arrested on allegations that he groomed a student and committed indecency with a child, according to law enforcement. The teacher, identified by investigators as 50-year-old Stephen Strawn, worked in the academy's upper-school band program. The church that operates the school has placed him on administrative leave while Child Protective Services and local police investigate.
Police have identified the suspect as Stephen Strawn, 50, and local reporting indicates the charges involve a student. According to News 4 San Antonio, investigators said additional charges may be filed as the probe continues. The outlet also published a booking image that it attributed to the county detention center.
First Baptist Academy's online staff directory lists Stephen Strawn as Band, Tech Crew and Yearbook on its upper-school roster. The page confirms he was an active member of the music program in the most recent staff listing and is publicly accessible on the academy's website. The staff listing is available on the academy site for verification.
School response and cooperation
The lead pastor told reporters that Strawn has been placed on administrative leave and that the church and academy are cooperating with police and Child Protective Services, according to News 4 San Antonio. The move was described as precautionary while investigators follow up on the allegations. School officials did not immediately release additional details about the alleged conduct.
What the charges mean
Under Texas law, indecency with a child is set out in Texas Penal Code §21.11 and can be charged as a felony depending on the conduct alleged, including second-degree charges for sexual contact. Justia publishes the statutory language and offense classifications.
Texas has also moved to criminalize grooming behavior, which allows prosecutors to charge pattern conduct intended to prepare a minor for sexual activity. That gives authorities tools to pursue preparatory acts as well as contact offenses. Legal analysis of that change has been summarized by local practitioners and advocates. John T. Floyd examines recent changes aimed at making grooming a reportable criminal offense.
Next steps
Investigators said more charges may be filed as they continue to review evidence and interview witnesses. The district attorney's office will decide whether to bring formal charges once the investigation concludes. This remains an active investigation and the story will be updated as court filings or official statements become available.
