Teacher accused of taking inappropriate photos with student's cell phone

(5/12/07 - KTRK/HOUSTON) (KTRK) -- A local charter school teacher described as energetic and creative could soon be out of a job. The trouble started when that teacher asked to borrow a student's cell phone.

It happened at Northwest Preparatory Academy on Lyons near Schweikhart in northeast Houston. School officials sent a letter to students' parents yesterday, explaining the alleged incident.

"One thing we can't do here because it's so small it's hard to keep things under wraps," said Erik Singleton, NW Prep Academy Deputy Superintendent.

School officials at Northwest Prepatory Academy admit what happened at this charter school isn't the kind of thing you keep from parents, especially since it involves an educator.

"The teacher who allegedly committed the offense borrowed the student's cell phone, left the classroom, and took some inappropriate pictures of himself and gave the cell phone back to the student," said Singleton.

Singleton says he didn't see those pictures until this morning, all eight of them.

"I could tell he was in the restroom because of the particular paint in the restroom," said Singleton. "You can also see the sinks in the restroom."

A letter was sent home to parents today informing them what happened without getting into too much detail. The teacher has been removed from campus pending further investigation. Singleton admits the letter was difficult to write.

"It doesn't shine a very good light on the school. However, this is an individual and not the institution," said Singleton.

The teacher in question could be charged with attempted sexual assault. He's been teaching at the school for two years. Officials say attorneys are now handling all issues related to the teacher's employment. There's a meeting scheduled for Monday morning to discuss his termination.
(Copyright © 2007, KTRK-TV)

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