A former Katy ISD paraprofessional is now facing a felony charge after a 13-year-old student told authorities she had an alleged sexual relationship with him, according to court documents. The suspect, identified as 25-year-old Samuel Perez, was arrested this week on a charge of online solicitation of a minor following an investigation involving both campus and district police. The case centers on West Memorial Junior High and has already prompted a public statement from Katy ISD and an ongoing criminal probe.
How the investigation started
According to a search-warrant affidavit reviewed by KPRC Click2Houston, the investigation began in November after the 13-year-old reported she had been sexually assaulted. Investigators say the two first connected through messages on TikTok and Instagram and exchanged about 238 messages beginning June 6, 2025. Some of those communications allegedly contained sexually explicit material. A warrant signed May 7 was executed May 8 at a Katy home, where authorities seized electronic devices. The affidavit states that an IP address, employment records and Perez's identification were all tied to the evidence collected in the search.
Alleged classroom encounters
Court filings also detail what investigators describe as an inappropriate relationship that continued on campus. Reporting from FOX 26 Houston says the student told investigators the contact included multiple occasions inside a classroom while she was his student at West Memorial Junior High. Prosecutors are expected to review the messages and the seized digital evidence as the case moves through the courts.
District response and bond
In a statement, Katy ISD said it worked "in coordination with local law enforcement agencies" and is cooperating with investigators. The district also noted that Perez "has not been present on District property for most of the current school year and is no longer employed by Katy ISD." Harris County court records show Perez posted a $75,000 bond, according to KPRC Click2Houston.
Legal implications
Online solicitation of a minor is a criminal offense under Texas Penal Code §33.021, which targets electronic communications intended to procure sexual contact with someone under 17, according to FindLaw. A prosecution under that statute is often charged as a third-degree felony. Under Texas Penal Code §12.34, a third-degree felony generally carries two to ten years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, FindLaw notes.
Wider enforcement
The arrest comes amid a run of regional crackdowns on suspected online predators. The City of Sugar Land reported that a mid-April joint operation with the Houston Metro ICAC task force resulted in five arrests. Recent stings and investigations have drawn wider attention, and both Sugar Land and Woodlands sting arrest have documented some of those efforts.
Authorities are asking anyone with information related to the case to contact investigators, and community members with concerns are encouraged to reach out to campus administrators or local law enforcement while the case proceeds, FOX 26 Houston reported. Perez is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court as prosecutors weigh the evidence.
