TEXARKANA, Ark. — A classroom at Arkansas High School was processed for evidence in the investigation of a teacher arrested Wednesday in the sexual assault of a student.
Edward Jasiel Hernandez, 25, was taken into custody on four counts of sexual assault for alleged misconduct with a 15-year-old girl. The encounters allegedly occurred in Hernandez’s car and in the classroom where he taught astronomy, according to a probable cause affidavit.
Texarkana Arkansas 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. 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 showed the student enter Hernandez’s classroom on different dates in early February. After the student entered, Hernandez turned off the lights until just before the student left.
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. He is being held in the Miller County jail. Bail has not been set.