A principal, a teacher, and a staff member from a charter school in Texas were arrested this week as part of an ongoing investigation into child grooming and an inappropriate relationship between an educator and a student.
According to the Newman International Academy (NIA) Police Department, information received on February 6 led to the immediate dismissal of high school teacher Ruel Barbee and staff member Gabrielle Little. Barbee is in custody for having an improper relationship with a student.
Little was arrested on February 10 on charges related to child grooming but has since been released.
On February 12, Rick Adams, the school’s principal, was arrested after investigators collected statements and evidence that established probable cause. He faces three counts of tampering with evidence, one count of tampering with a witness, and failure to report abuse, with the tampering charges being classified as third-degree felonies.
As the investigation proceeds, the school district has placed Adams, along with the campus athletic director, the head coach of the varsity girls’ basketball team, and an assistant football coach, on paid administrative leave.
Authorities have indicated that the investigation is still ongoing, and additional details will be provided as they are confirmed.
In response to the arrests, NIA Superintendent Dr. Sheba George issued a statement denouncing any form of student exploitation and reaffirming a commitment to accountability regarding all allegations of misconduct.
