HOUSTON – A Harby Junior High teacher and coach has been arrested for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a student, according to the Alvin Police Department.
Steve Cortez, 28, submitted his resignation to Alvin ISD during an investigation into his relationship with a girl at the school. Cortez was not allowed to have any interaction with Alvin ISD students during the investigation and parents were notified of the investigation.
He resigned while officials were in the process of suspending him without pay.
District officials were told a warrant was issued and Cortez was arrested on felony charges. He is charged with sex assault of a child.
"Please be assured that this alleged behavior is completely inconsistent with the expectations of our campus and community, and will not be tolerated in Alvin ISD," Principal Lisa Burns said in an email statement.
According to the Harby Junior High website, Cortez taught sixth grade science and was an eighth grade boys basketball and football coach.
He had been with the school at least three years.