Crime & Safety

Alvin ISD Police Officer Charged With Sexual Assault

Terry Tennard is accused of having a sexual relationship with a 14-year old Manvel Junior High student.

ALVIN, TX — An Alvin ISD police officer who was accused of having a sexual relationship with a student at Manvel Junior High is in the Brazoria County Jail with a bond of $100,000.

Terry Roy Tennard, 42, was arrested at his home in Pearland on Friday and is charged with sexalo assault of a child.

Investigators said Tennard was involved in a sexual relationship with a student that had been going on since the girl was 13.

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The girl told investigators that the relationship began in December 2016, and that she and Tennard had sex in his office on about 20 different occasions, KTRK reported.

The girl told investigators that she met Tennard at the school and felt comfortable with him because he’d coached her brother’s basketball team.

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The girl’s mother found out about the relationship while checking her daughters phone found the text message s on Dec. 14.

The child’s mother learned the messages were from Tennard when she typed the number into her own phone and it came up as her sons basketball coach, the Alvin Sun reported.

Alvin ISD released the following statement:

"Alvin ISD makes the commitment to keep our parents and community informed regarding all matters that have implications for the safety and security of our students. Although we have limited information at this time, we feel it is appropriate to ensure that parents are aware of the events that have taken place over the last couple of days. On Friday (12/15) afternoon, Alvin ISD received notification that the Brazoria County District Attorney was conducting an investigation based on reports of an inappropriate relationship between a student and an Alvin ISD police officer currently assigned to Manvel Jr. High. Upon receiving this report, Alvin ISD immediately expressed a willingness to assist with the investigation in any way possible. As the investigation was active and ongoing, Alvin ISD officials received limited information; however, the officer under investigation was immediately placed on administrative leave to ensure there was no additional interaction with students. Over the course of the weekend, Alvin ISD received notice that Officer Terry Tennard had been arrested on charges of sexual assault of a child."

Alvin ISD Superintendent Dr. Buck Gilcrease also released a statement that said:

"Should these allegations prove to be accurate, the sense of violation, sadness and anger is almost immeasurable. Communities place a great deal of trust both in educators and law enforcement officials. If, as reported, this individual has violated the public's trust, Alvin ISD pledges to assist the County with the ongoing investigation and full prosecution available under the law. Alvin ISD is currently in contact with our attorney regarding formal termination. I make the commitment to our parents, to our students, and to our community that all available resources will be used to ensure this type of activity does not occur in the future."

Image: Shutterstock

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