BAYTOWN, Texas – A former Goose Creek Memorial High School counselor is out on bond after being charged with felony offenses tied to what investigators describe as an inappropriate relationship with a teenage student.
Her defense attorney Jed Silverman told only KPRC 2 News on Friday there are “two sides” to the story and argues prosecutors won’t be able to prove the allegations in court.
What she’s accused of
Charging documents accuse 43-year-old Lorinda Bocardo of grooming and sexually touching a teen boy while she worked as a school counselor at Goose Creek Memorial High School.
Investigators said the alleged conduct involved two different district campuses, after Bocardo met the teen in middle school, with the victim describing a relationship that escalated over time.
According to court records, the teen initially told investigators he thought the counselor was “very nice and “cool,” but later said things changed when she began telling him she loved him.
The victim allegedly told investigators Bocardo told him she transferred to his high school to be with him, and that he spent large portions of the school day in her office.
The complaint alleges Bocardo kissed and groped the teen, and told him she loved him—while also acknowledging, “It’s so wrong but feels so good.”
Investigators say they found text messages she allegedly sent, including “143,” a numeric shorthand commonly used to mean “I love you.”
Defense: “It’s one thing to put things on a piece of paper”
Silverman said the allegations outlined in a detailed criminal complaint are not the same as proof beyond a reasonable doubt.
“It’s one thing to put things on a piece of paper. It’s a whole different thing to prove it in court,” Silverman said. “It’s my position on behalf of my client that that evidence doesn’t exist in this case.”
Silverman also told KPRC 2 News Bocardo has “led a perfect life up until this allegation,” and described the case as “earth shattering” for her.
“She was very dedicated. She has no criminal history, never been arrested for anything before in her life,” Silverman said.
He would not elaborate on the other side of the story, but said Bocardo did meet the student through school where she worked.
District response and alleged messages
Goose Creek CISD said Bocardo resigned while she was under investigation. State records show she worked for the school district for nearly a decade.
“Goose Creek CISD has a zero-tolerance policy regarding the safety of our students and will act swiftly and decisively when misconduct is reported. Ms. Bocardo submitted her resignation on January 5, 2026, before the Board meeting where her employment was to be considered,” the district wrote in a statement. “Only one victim was identified through law enforcement’s investigation, and the District has been in contact with the victim and the victim’s family about this case since the date of the outcry.”
Therapist: alleged behavior fits grooming pattern
Trauma therapist Chau Nguyen said the behavior described in the records is consistent with grooming and can be underreported.
“What this school counselor allegedly did is wildly inappropriate. It is a product of a predatory behavior,” Nguyen said.
Nguyen said the emotional fallout for kids can be significant and encouraged parents to make sure children know they are not in trouble if they come forward.
In this case, the victim allegedly told investigators Bocardo got jealous if he talked to other girls, he lost friends because of her “controlling nature,” and it caused him stress and depression.
Bond, and what happens next
Bocardo has posted a $60,000 bond, according to records.
She is scheduled to make her first appearance in district court on Monday morning.
The Texas Education Agency also confirmed state investigators are looking into the matter.