Dickinson ISD educator arrested for improper relationship between educator, student
DICKINSON, Texas - An educator with Dickinson ISD has been arrested and accused of improper relationship between an educator and a student.
Dickinson ISD employee arrest
According to the Galveston County Sheriff's Office, 46-year-old Kristi Hanks of La Marque was arrested following an investigation into the allegations of an improper relationship with a 16-year-old juvenile student at the Galveston County Juvenile Justice Center.
Officials said the Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit began investigating in early August after receiving a report from the Juvenile Justice Center regarding concerns about a teacher's relationship with a student. The investigation was conducted alongside the Juvenile Justice Center and the Office of Inspector General.
Kristi Hanks
According to a release, Hanks is an educator with Dickinson ISD. During the summer, she was working at the Galveston County Juvenile Justice Center, where she was assigned to provide educational instruction to juvenile students. The investigation ultimately led to the collection of material evidence, interviews of multiple individuals, and admissions made by Hanks. The findings indicated that Hanks maintained frequent contact with the student outside of an academic setting and engaged in an improper relationship.
Officials said the facts and circumstance of this case were presented to the Galveston County District Attorney's Office who determined probable cause existed to charge Hanks with improper relationship between educator and student and recommended a $100,000 bond.
An arrest warrant was issued on Wednesday and Hanks was taken into custody during a traffic stop near her residence by the Galveston County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit, with assistance from the Crime Reduction Unit.
What they're saying:
Dickinson ISD released a statement earlier in the day on Wednesday saying, "On the morning of August 19, 2026, Dickinson ISD was notified that an employee assigned to the Galveston County Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP) had been arrested in connection with allegations involving a student.
Prior to being notified of the arrest, Dickinson ISD had already placed the employee on administrative leave while the investigation was pending. The District took this action immediately after receiving information regarding the allegations and before learning that an arrest had been made.
The matter has been referred to the Galveston County District Attorney's Office.
The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. Dickinson ISD takes allegations involving student safety and employee conduct extremely seriously. When concerns involving the safety of a student are brought to our attention, the District acts promptly and takes appropriate measures while law enforcement conducts its investigation.
Dickinson ISD will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement and all appropriate authorities throughout the investigative process. Because this is an active matter involving a student and personnel, the District will respect the confidentiality and integrity of the investigation while continuing to take all appropriate steps to protect and support our students."
The Source: Galveston County Sheriff's Office and Dickinson ISD social media.