Former Texas Teacher of the Year, Brandyn Hargrove, 43, is facing multiple criminal charges after being accused of having a two-year sexual relationship with a young man dating back to 2007. Hargrove, who taught at Brazoswood Middle School in Clute, has been arrested on six counts of sexual assault of a juvenile, four counts of indecency with a juvenile by contact and two counts of indecency with a juvenile by exposure.
The school district placed Hargrove on administrative leave in September after being notified that the alleged victim, now 30 years old, had reported the “ongoing relationship” with the teacher when she was between 15 and 17 years old. The incidents are said to have occurred off campus, and the Clute Police Chief, James Fitch, has stated that witnesses played a key role in the investigation.
Fitch expressed his disappointment, saying, “Unfortunately, this is happening more and more these days. Since that moment, we have other laws in force, the inappropriate relationship between educator and student was not in force then. But your kids go to school and you trust the teachers with that and then these kinds of things happen.” The police chief also added that they are not aware of any other victims at this time.
Hargrove, who was named “Teacher of the Year” in Texas, will be fired from her position as a result of the allegations. This case serves as a reminder of the importance of vigilance and the protection of students in educational settings.