Spring HS assistant principal accused of sex with student appears in court

HOUSTON (KTRK) -- A former assistant principal at Spring High School appeared in court this morning, accused of having sex with a female student.

Mark West appeared briefly in front of a judge and was ordered not to contact his accuser, a woman who is now a college student. West, meanwhile, insisted he's innocent.

West, 30, is charged with having an improper relationship with a student while he was an assistant principal at Spring High. According to court documents, the now-former student claims she and West had sex in his office during a prom event in May of 2012.

The investigation into West's activities also revealed other staff members who grew suspicious of his behavior. West's secretary told investigators she was uncomfortable with the amount of time West spent behind closed doors with female students, and that some female students left his office with their hair and clothing disheveled.

West walked out of court today without answering questions about the accusations against him. His lawyer later made a brief statement on his behalf.

"Speaking with his family, looking at his background as an educator, he is innocent. He cares about the kids," said attorney Charles Johnson. "I think that once the truth, what he's facing and why he's facing it, comes out, that the charges will ultimately be dismissed."

West has since resigned from his position with Spring ISD. He had been on leave during the internal investigation.

He remains free on a $30,000 bond. West is due back in court in mid-April.
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