TEXARKANA, Ark. -- A former teacher with Texarkana, Arkansas, School District accused of sexual misconduct with a 15-year-old student was released from the Miller County jail Friday after posting a $60,000 bond.
Edward Jasiel Hernandez, 25, was arrested Wednesday on four counts of sexual assault.
The encounters allegedly occurred in Hernandez's car and in the classroom where he taught astronomy, according to a probable cause affidavit.
School district spokesperson Genia Bullock said Hernandez was employed as a teacher from Aug. 9, 2021, until Feb. 28. He reportely resigned after being confronted by a principal who intended to place him on leave during the investigation, the affidavit states.
Hernandez allegedly was warned by school administrators in October regarding his interactions with female students.
The girl's parents informed police Feb. 26.
Hernandez allegedly gave the girl his personal phone number before the two began meeting to drive around in his car some evenings. He allegedly bought the girl vapes and alcohol and smoked marijuana with her.
Hernandez allegedly met the girl Dec. 31 near a home where the girl was staying with a relative in Texarkana, Arkansas. He allegedly had sex with her in his car.
The girl allegedly told a forensic interviewer that she was looking for approval and affection and that Hernandez was "there and ready."
Hernandez allegedly gave the girl Plan B medication after the Dec. 31 encounter to avoid a pregnancy and allegedly supplied her with Plan B after the sexual abuse.
Classroom video surveillance allegedly shows the student enter Hernandez's classroom on different dates in early February. After the student enters, Hernandez turns off the lights until just before the girl leaves.
Evidence was collected by crime scene technicians from the classroom Hernandez used. Evidence collected from the girl's phone allegedly includes sexually graphic text messages to her from Hernandez.
Hernandez faces six to 30 years on each count of sexual assault if convicted. As a condition of his bond, he is prohibited from having any contact with the alleged victim.