According to a Sept. 3 press release from Sheriff Mark Davis, an investigation by Hardin County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) investigators did not discover any criminal conduct to support allegations involving a Silsbee ISD staff member and the criminal investigation is “now closed.”
“Our office has conducted an extensive investigation into the allegation,” stated Davis. “This involved conducting witness interviews, reviewing digital evidence from cellular phones and social media accounts, and a forensic interview by the Garth House Child Advocacy Center.
“We have met with both the alleged student victim and the victim’s parents, along with the alleged adult district employee. We have not discovered any criminal conduct to support this allegation. Our criminal investigation is now closed with the allegation being unfounded.”
HCSO received a referral from the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and from Silsbee ISD officials regarding an allegation of criminal conduct by a school district employee, according to Davis.
Davis stated the allegation focused on possible improper texting or social media conversation, as it relates to criminal conduct, between an educator and a minor.
Sept. 2, Silsbee ISD acknowledged that the district was actively investigating an incident involving a staff member, who is then on administrative leave.
“Please be assured that we take every report and allegation with the utmost seriousness, and we are diligently following all necessary protocols to handle this situation appropriately,” stated the district, further declaring no further details would be released because it was a personnel matter. “The safety and well-being of our students and staff is our top priority, and we are dedicated to maintaining a secure and supportive environment for everyone in our district,” the district added.
Sept. 4, SISD Superintendent Dr. Gregg Weiss issued a statement that the employee remained on administrative leave despite the sheriff office’s criminal investigatory result.
“While no criminal conduct was found, it is important to emphasize that Silsbee ISD has strict policies, procedures and protocols governing electronic communication between employees and students. These guidelines outline how, when, and why such communication may occur,” wrote Weiss. “In addition to our local policies and procedures, all Silsbee ISD employees are required to adhere to the Educators’ Code of Ethics and Stand Practices for Texas Educators.”
“Silsbee ISD does not tolerate any disregard for policies and procedures that compromise the trust between our district and the community,” Weiss further advised.