A 32-year-old educator who until recently worked for Mesquite ISD stands accused of engaging in an improper relationship with a student at Dr. Vroonland Vanguard High School.
Cesar Jimenez, a resident of Midlothian, was apprehended by the U.S. Marshals Service North Texas Fugitive Task Force on Wednesday, according to a statement provided to CBS News Texas by the Mesquite Police Department.
The incident came to light when Mesquite police were alerted to a “potentially inappropriate relationship” within the school premises on Friday, April 5. Jimenez, who was employed as a teacher in Vanguard High School’s esteemed automotive program, now faces charges of improper relationship between an educator and a student.
“Mr. Jimenez’s actions are appalling and disturbing and will not be tolerated in Mesquite ISD,” a school district spokesperson said in response to the allegations, per The Dallas Morning News.
“As educators, our priority is, first and foremost, the safety and well-being of our students. In partnership with Mesquite police, we acted swiftly to address this matter as quickly as possible, and we appreciate their immediate response and ongoing support. Our focus will now turn toward healing as the staff and students of Vroonland Vanguard High School move forward from this experience.”
In an effort to address concerns within the community, Mesquite ISD officials also attempted to detail the incident and the actions taken by school administrators for the students and family members at Vroonland Vanguard High.
“Vroonland Vanguard High School has some troubling and very disappointing information to share with you regarding an educator in our automotive program, Cesar Jimenez,” the statement reads, per CBS. “Upon witnessing inappropriate behavior by Mr. Jimenez toward a Vanguard student, administrators immediately contacted Mesquite police, and they began an investigation. After learning of MISD’s concerns and the police investigation yesterday, Mr. Jimenez resigned.”
Administrators urged anyone with relevant information about the case to contact the Mesquite Police Department immediately.
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, a Texas-based advocacy group claimed the Texas Education Agency was mishandling the tracking of accusations of misconduct against public school teachers and staff. Relatedly, there have been numerous instances of improper relationships between students and educators in North Texas, including in Dallas ISD.
