Police in Clute, Texas, have arrested a popular former Teacher of the Month and Teacher of the Year winner on multiple counts of child sexual abuse and indecency. Brandyn Hargrove, 43, an English teacher at Brazoswood High School, was arrested in December 2023 on charges stemming from allegations by a former student. The female student, who is now in her 30s, told police that the two had a sexual relationship for more than two years while she was still in high school and Hargrove was her teacher.
Hargrove, who is married and has a 10-year-old child, was placed on paid administrative leave from the Brazosport Independent School District in September 2023 after school district officials learned about the pending criminal investigation.
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The victim claims the inappropriate relationship began when she was 15 years old.
According to reports from ABC 13, Hargrove's former student contacted police in September with the accusation that she had multiple sexual encounters, including incidents involving sex toys and a cucumber, with Hargrove starting in 2007. At the time, Hargrove was in her late 20s and the student was 15 years old.
The incidents allegedly happened off-campus and continued for two years.
Hargrove was indicted on 12 charges.
Court documents show that Hargrove was indicted on six counts of sexual assault of a child, four counts of indecency with a child by contact, and two counts of indecency with a child by exposure, Click2Houston reported.
Hargrove was arrested on December 21 and was released from Brazoria County Jail just hours later, after posting a $240,000 bond, according to the Daily Mail.
School district official have begun steps to fire the teacher.
Hargrove has been a teacher in the Brazosport Independent School District for more than 20 years. On January 2, 2024, district officials held a special meeting to begin the process of firing her, according to KPRC.
District officials released a statement. "BISD remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity among our staff, and we take the safety and well-being of our students very seriously," via Click2Houston. "We understand that this news may raise concerns. If any parent, student, or former student has concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact Brazoswood High School Principal Rita Pintavalle or Brazosport ISD Police Chief Wade Nichols. We appreciate your understanding and support during this challenging time.”
Texas has no statute of limitations for sexual assault of a child or indecency with a child.
At this time, no other current or former students have come forward with additional accusations against Hargrove. Under Texas law, there is no statute of limitations for cases involving sexual assault of a child, so police have encouraged others to contact them if they have information or a complaint.
With criminal charges still pending, Hargrove likely will lose her teaching job when the school board meets again on January 22. Hargrove has yet to comment on the case.
