Splendora ISD elementary teacher arrested for aggravated sexual assault of a child

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas - Elementary school teacher Rene Jesus Tavera-Arango has been arrested in Montgomery County after it was alleged he sexually abused multiple students.

Splendora ISD teacher arrested for alleged sexual abuse of two girls

What we know:

The 70-year-old, who has worked in Houston-area school districts for the past 14 years, is charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child.

According to the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office, multiple students have come forward to say they were sexually abused at the school. After investigations, Tavera-Arango was arrested.

Court documents say two 7-year-old girls alleged Tavera was their first-grade teacher, and he inappropriately touched them on multiple occasions last year in a classroom at Peach Creek Elementary School.

Tavera-Arango is in custody and being held on $250,000, the sheriff's office reports.

The Montgomery County Sheriff said, "Protecting children is one of our highest responsibilities.  This individual was entrusted with the care and education of children, yet chose to abuse that position of trust to prey on the most vulnerable in our community.  We will pursue anyone who harms a child with unwavering determination, and I encourage any parent or child with concerns to come forward to our Special Victims Unit so that no voice goes unheard and no child is left unprotected."

Splendora ISD notified families

What they're saying:

Dr. Dustin Bromley, the Superintendent of Schools at Splendora ISD sent the following statement to families: 

"On September 3, Splendora ISD was first made aware of an allegation, dating back to last spring, of inappropriate conduct by a Peach Creek Elementary employee involving a minor. The employee was immediately placed on administrative leave, and the matter was referred to the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Department. Today, we were informed that the employee has been formally charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child. Parents of students in the employee’s classroom have been personally contacted, and all Peach Creek families have been notified. We understand this news is difficult. Please be assured that Splendora ISD is fully cooperating with law enforcement and remains steadfast in its commitment to student safety. The well-being of every child in our care is our highest priority, and we will continue to take every measure to ensure a safe and supportive learning environment. Thank you for your trust, support, and partnership as we work together to care for our students, staff, and community."

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Teacher's work history

The backstory:

Tavera has been employed at Splendora ISD at Peach Creek Elementary for the past two years and has previously worked at Navasota ISD and Cleveland ISD, officials say.

FOX 26 reached out to Navasota ISD. Dr. Stu Musick, Superintendent of Schools said, "Navasota ISD was able to confirm that Mr. Tavera-Arango was briefly employed in the Spring semester of 2013 before resigning from the district at the end of that semester.  There are no records of any incidents."

FOX 26 also reached out to Cleveland ISD that shared the following statement: "Cleveland ISD can confirm that Mr. Rene Jesus Tavera-Arango was employed with the district from August 16, 2013, to May 31, 2023. He is no longer employed with Cleveland ISD, as he resigned for other employment. There were no allegations or disciplinary actions related to sexual misconduct during his employment with Cleveland ISD."

What you can do:

This is an ongoing investigation, and the Montgomery County Sheriff's Office urges anyone with information or who may have been a victim to contact the Special Victims Unit at 936-760-5876.