The Sealy Police Department has arrested a former Sealy ISD teacher following an investigation into an alleged improper relationship with a student, officials announced Wednesday. According to police, Sealy ISD reported the allegation to law enforcement on Nov. 1, 2025, as required under Texas Senate Bill 571, which governs misconduct reporting in Texas schools. Under Texas Education Code § 22A.051(a)(2)(A–D), “reportable misconduct” includes conduct in which an educator “was involved in or solicited a romantic relationship with a student or minor,” as well as inappropriate communications or failure to maintain professional boundaries. Schools must notify appropriate authorities within mandated timeframes.
School principals are required to report to their superintendent within 48 hours if they learn of evidence that an employee or service provider abused, threatened, or otherwise unlawfully harmed a student; engaged in or attempted a romantic or sexual relationship with a student; communicated inappropriately with a student; or failed to maintain proper professional boundaries. Superintendents then have 48 hours to report the allegation to the Texas Education Agency and the State Board for Educator Certification.
Failing to report with the intent to hide misconduct is a state jail felony. These reports, along with subpoena responses related to educator misconduct, must be submitted through the state’s Misconduct Reporting Portal, and districts must contact TEA to gain access.
Additionally, school districts must have a policy requiring notification to parents or guardians when an employee is accused of misconduct involving a student, including whether the employee resigned or was terminated during the investigation and whether the incident was reported to state authorities.
Following the report and a review with the Austin County District Attorney’s Office, Sealy Police obtained an arrest warrant for Juan Gerardo Perez, 63, for Child Grooming, a third-degree felony under Texas law. Perez was taken into custody and booked into the Austin County Jail, where he awaits arraignment. If convicted, a third-degree felony in Texas carries a possible penalty of two to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000. The investigation remains ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sealy Police Department Criminal Investigations Division at 979-885-2913.
The Sealy Police Department reminds the public that all persons are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
