Teacher accused of improper relationship with student in deep East Texas

POLK COUNTY, Texas ( KETK ) – A teacher was booked into the Polk County Jail on charges of improper relationship between and educator and a student.

39-year-old Jahmall Le’Sean Thomas was a teacher at Hardin ISD, a small school district between Houston and Beaumont.

As authorities investigated the case, they interviewed Thomas and a student from Polk County. In their investigation, authorities determined that Thomas picked up the student, took the student to a location in Polk County and performed sexual acts on the student before returning the student to their home.

On Aug. 27, Hardin ISD took to Facebook to say an employee accused of “inappropriate behavior” with a student from another school district was suspended pending the investigation.

“We are deeply troubled by this report,” Hardin ISD posted. “We have zero tolerance for inappropriate behavior and expect our teachers and staff to adhere to the highest standards of conduct.”

Thomas was arrested Sept. 3 and booked into the Polk County Jail on a $75,000 bond. Polk County authorities said they notified Hardin ISD of the arrest.

Detective Lieutenant Craig Finegan with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigation Division is continuing to work the case. Any parent that may have information on Thomas that they feel is of concern to the investigation is asked to contact Finegan at 936-329-9028.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to KETK.com | FOX51.com.