A teacher at New Braunfels High School has been arrested on an improper relationship with a student charge, causing shockwaves across the community. Bryant Shephard, 41, was seen having inappropriate contact with a female student while on campus, according to a press release from the city of New Braunfels. The news has understandably sent shockwaves across the community, with many parents and students expressing concern over the incident.
The incident came to light when New Braunfels Independent School District officials notified the New Braunfels police department of the alleged incident on Thursday, March 2. The police department’s Criminal Investigations Division then launched an investigation into the matter, which led to the issuance of an arrest warrant for Shephard.
According to the press release, Shephard was arrested at a San Antonio residence by the U.S. Marshal’s Lone Star Fugitive Task Force on Tuesday. He is currently being held in custody at Bexar County Jail, and his bond has been set at $250,000. The arrest has also raised the possibility of additional charges, which could be brought against Shephard.
As per Texas law, the improper relationship between educator and student charge is a second-degree felony, which could carry a prison sentence of between 2 and 20 years and a fine up to $10,000. This means that if convicted, Shephard could face serious legal consequences.
Shephard was a special education math teacher at New Braunfels High School, as per a Facebook appreciation post from New Braunfels ISD in Dec. 2020. In the post, Shephard spoke about his passion for teaching special education students and expressed his gratitude for the opportunity to work in the New Braunfels School District.
The news of the arrest has left many in the community reeling, as they grapple with the implications of the charges against Shephard. The incident has also highlighted the need for schools to have effective policies and training programs in place to prevent such incidents from occurring in the first place.
The New Braunfels police department has urged anyone who believes they are a victim of Shephard or knows someone who might be, to come forward and call them at 830-221-4100. The police have also assured the public that they will continue to investigate the matter and take all necessary steps to ensure justice is served.
