TEXARKANA, Ark. -- A former Arkansas High School teacher has been formally charged with six felonies related to alleged sexual misconduct with a student.
Edward Jasiel Hernandez, 25, was arrested March 30 on four counts of sexual assault. An information filed Monday by the Miller County prosecuting attorney's office lists six counts of sexual assault involving a 15-year-old girl. The assault allegedly occurred in January and February.
The information specifies that each count represents a "separate and distinct" occasion of sexual abuse by someone employed in the alleged victim's school or by her school district and who is in a position of trust and authority over her.
If convicted, Hernandez faces six to 30 years and a fine up to $15,000 on each of the six counts.
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 previously 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, and 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 on other occasions as well.
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.
As a condition of his $60,000 bond, Hernandez is prohibited from having any contact with the alleged victim. The case has been assigned to Circuit Judge Carlton Jones.
Hernandez is expected to appear in June for arraignment.