A North Texas school police officer faces multiple felony charges after investigators say he had an inappropriate relationship with a student.
Israel Demello, 26, was arrested on Wednesday and booked into Denton County Jail on charges including sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child by sexual contact. He is being held on a combined $225,000 bond.
Demello had worked as a police officer for the Sanger Independent School District before being placed on administrative leave in November 2025. That’s when allegations of the inappropriate relationship first surfaced, prompting an investigation.
Sanger Police Department’s Criminal Investigation Division led the probe that resulted in Wednesday’s arrest warrant. The charges against Demello include improper relationship between educator and student, sexual assault of a child, sexual performance by a child, and indecency with a child by sexual contact.
All four charges are second-degree felonies under Texas law.
Authorities have not released the victim’s name or details about how long the alleged relationship lasted. The investigation remains active as detectives gather additional evidence.
Sanger police are asking anyone with information about the case to contact them at 940-458-7444. Tips can also be submitted via email to [email protected].
The small Denton County community of Sanger sits about 50 miles north of Dallas. The school district serves approximately 3,800 students across six campuses.