Texas Middle School Teacher Charged with Grooming Student After Surveillance Footage Allegedly Shows Inappropriate Contact

A Texas middle school teacher has been charged with child grooming after surveillance footage allegedly showed him engaging in inappropriate conduct with a 14-year-old student, including spending the night together in a classroom.

Sergio Gonzalez, 54, a teacher at AC New Middle School in Mesquite, was first investigated after reports of him exchanging inappropriate messages with the student. This led school officials to uncover additional concerning footage from July, according to an affidavit obtained by Fox 4 News.

Sergio Gonzalez, 54, is charged with child grooming, according to police. Balch Springs Police Department

The surveillance video, recorded during the school’s summer break, reportedly shows Gonzalez and the student walking down the hallways while carrying pillows and blankets.

Balch Springs Police Officer Pedro Gonzalez told reporters, “There was video footage of the individuals walking down the hallways, carrying pillows and blankets, spending the night at the school.” The affidavit details that Gonzalez was seen grabbing the student’s buttocks and holding her hand as they proceeded to a classroom, where they allegedly remained overnight.

The teacher and coach was filmed spending the night with a fourth-grader at AC New Middle School over the summer. WFAA

The investigation into Gonzalez began in August, when three school employees raised concerns about his behaviour, claiming he was sharing “inappropriate” messages with the student. According to Balch Springs police, these messages included terms of endearment such as “baby” and “my love.”

Additional allegations surfaced, with other students stating that Gonzalez had offered the girl rides, visited her outside school hours, and engaged in further inappropriate physical contact.

Balch Springs Police Officer Pedro Gonzalez said the two were filmed carrying blankets and pillows into a classroom. WFAA

The girl’s family reportedly acknowledged they knew of the time Gonzalez and their daughter spent together but had trusted him, believing the relationship to be strictly within appropriate boundaries. On August 20, the school district placed Gonzalez on administrative leave and informed Balch Springs Police about the allegations. Gonzalez later resigned from his position, ending a 20-year career with the district.

During interviews with authorities, the student reportedly downplayed the situation and expressed concern for Gonzalez, complicating the investigation.

Officer Gonzalez explained, “This investigation has been prolonged due to the challenges in constructing the case, particularly because the victim is not fully cooperating.”

Gonzalez was arrested at his home in Forney on Wednesday morning but reportedly declined to speak with detectives.

He is currently charged with child grooming, and police have stated that further charges may be added as the investigation continues.