Former HISD elementary school teacher charged with sexual abuse of children

HOUSTON. The former Sutton Elementary School teacher was charged with child sexual abuse, according to court documents.

Editor’s Note: The above video is from KHOU 11’s report on this story on Friday, February 3rd.

Records show Manuel Edgardo Ponce, 45, faces four charges: three counts of continued child sexual abuse and one count of child indecency.

Court documents say the abuse began around February 1, 2020, when he pulled the girl’s pants and underwear off. According to the records, the students began to come forward after he left the school last summer.

According to Houston ISD, Ponce stepped down in July 2022.

“HISD takes these situations very seriously and the safety and well-being of our students and staff is always our absolute top priority. This person retired in July 2022 and is therefore no longer employed by the county. Due to the Family’s Rights to Education Privacy Act (FERPA) and pending investigation, HISD will not provide additional information at this time,” the county said in a statement.

Child Protective Services also said it was investigating the situation.

“Child Protective Services is working with law enforcement to investigate allegations of sexual abuse at Sutton Elementary School. Once our investigation is complete, the results will be sent to Sutton Elementary School, Houston ISD, and the Texas Education Agency,” said Melissa, spokeswoman for the Department of Family Protection Services. Lanford.

Some parents told HOW 11 that they were not aware of the investigation until the principal held a meeting on January 30th.

The full text of the director’s letter to parents can be read below:

“Sutton Elementary School Parents:

“Please be advised that the allegations of misconduct came to the administration following the termination of a former employee.

“This person no longer works for HISD and the HISD Police Department is conducting a thorough investigation.

“Due to an ongoing investigation and student privacy rights, HISD is unable to provide further information at this time. Please know that HISD and Sutton Elementary value your students and their safety.

“We will make sure that classes continue without interruption.

“We appreciate your continued support.

“Beatrice Akala, Director

Ponce is expected in court on Friday around 10:00 pm.

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