by Nicole Bradford
A former instructional aide at Dawson High remained jailed in Angleton on Monday, accused of sending inappropriate messages and photos to a 14-year-old student.
Pearland resident Jerel Griffin, 41, is charged with online solicitation of a minor after an investigation by Pearland Police initiated on March 6 by administrators at the high school.
The student reported the texts to the school, and Griffin’s employment was immediately terminated, Pearland Police said in a statement.
The police report states the student was given a cellphone by the defendant, through which she began receiving inappropriate messages, photos, and videos.
“These text messages were used to build a relationship outside of normal school functions,” the police statements say. “Forensic analysis of electronic devices confirmed the allegations reported by the student.”
Online solicitation of a minor is a third-degree felony. Griffin was arrested on March 26 in the 11800 block of Shadow Creek Parkway shortly after 11:15 a.m.
This investigation remains ongoing into additional allegations. Anyone with further information is encouraged to contact the Pearland Police Department Tip Line at 281-997-4211.
