HOUSTON – A former Memorial High School choir instructor is facing two felony charges, one for improper relationship with a student and the other for sexual assault of a child.
This stems from claims he groomed one of his students before sexually assaulting her over several years from 2016-2018.
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Court documents show that the former instructor was arrested Monday and given a bond totaling $60,000 but the legal battle he faces has just begun.
The court documents state this inappropriate relationship went on between that choir director and his student for three years, with many of the alleged sexual acts happening on campus, in his office, during school hours.
The accused former instructor is now 50-year-old Lawrence Johnson Jr.
Charging documents state the abuse began in 2016 when one of his students was a high school sophomore until she was a senior.
The student reportedly told authorities Johnson began grooming her after noticing she was struggling with sadness and depression during choir practice, assuring her everything would be OK
The relationship allegedly progressed to calling and texting outside of choir business, then things became physical. What was said to have started as hugging and rubbing, led to fondling and eventually oral sex.
KPRC 2′s Deven Clarke visited Spring Branch ISD to speak with officials about the case and was directed to this statement on their website:
“A former Memorial High School teacher has been arrested and charged with having an inappropriate relationship with a student in 2016. When allegations came to the attention of Memorial High School administration and the district, the individual was immediately placed on administrative leave and the Spring Branch ISD Police were notified. In accordance with the district’s rigorous protocols, Child Protective Services and the State Board for Educator Certification were also notified. A thorough investigation was conducted, leading to the arrest made today. As a result of the district’s proactive approach to addressing reports of inappropriate relationships between educators and students, campus administration consistently follow up on each and every rumor, report or indication of such situations. Aware that emotional damage inflicted by these illegal relationships can take years to manifest, Spring Branch ISD will always investigate these allegations, no matter how much time has transpired. While painful for all involved, it is imperative we expose these situations so that the victims may receive the support they need and the perpetrators can be brought to justice.
Spring Branch ISD and Memorial High School administration are working closely with law enforcement authorities in this investigation, and if these allegations prove true, we urge the legal system to take the strongest possible action against this former employee.
“We will never tolerate any action by any employee who violates the high standards and the Educator Code of Ethics to which we all are held. It is our highest obligation to protect the safety and well-being of our students, and we take this responsibility very seriously,” stated Dr. Jennifer Blaine, Superintendent of Schools.
In addition, Spring Branch ISD requires every employee to annually complete Safe Schools training and a related assessment to ensure they fully understand the appropriate, safe boundaries that must be maintained between students and staff.
The Anonymous Reporting link on campus websites and the district’s See Something, Say Something protocols are two of the most important ways in which students, staff, parents, and community members can bring forth concerns about the safety, security, or well-being of any members of the Spring Branch Family. Administrators and, as appropriate, the Spring Branch ISD Police, will always follow up and thoroughly investigate all reports.
As this is a law enforcement matter, neither Spring Branch ISD nor Memorial High School can provide any additional information at this time.”
After leaving the Spring Branch ISD administration building we tried to find Lawrence Johnson Jr, we went to the home address listed on the charging documents but no one answered the door.
Wherever he is tonight, as part of his bond conditions he’s ordered to stay away from the alleged victim in this case, and anyone under 17 years of age.
Spring Branch ISD also wants to remind students of the anonymous reporting link on campus websites, adding that it promises to investigate every claim, you can visit. Here is the link to report incidents at Memorial High School.