Texas officials permanently barred a former North Texas school police officer from working in any school system after being charged with multiple child sex abuse-related felonies.
The Texas Education Agency announced Tuesday that Israel Demello, a former officer with Sanger Independent School District, is now on the state’s Do Not Hire Registry — a designation that blocks employment across all Texas public schools.
Demello, 26, faces four second-degree felony charges: improper relationship between an educator and a student, sexual assault of a child, sexual performance by a child, and indecency with a child by sexual contact, according to court records.
The Texas Education Agency’s Office of Inspector General for Educator Misconduct — a role created earlier this year — drove the action in coordination with Sanger ISD and the Sanger Police Department.
“The integrity of our schools depends on the trust placed in every adult who serves students,” said Inspector General Levi Fuller. “When that trust is violated, particularly in cases involving exploitation or abuse of a student, we act decisively.”
As previously reported by The Dallas Express, Demello went on administrative leave in November 2025 after allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a student surfaced. Authorities later arrested him and booked him into Denton County Jail as the investigation progressed.
The Do Not Hire Registry permanently blocks Demello from working in Texas schools and requires districts statewide to check the list before hiring.
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath said the state will continue using every available tool to keep individuals accused of abusing students out of school environments.
“Students deserve safe environments where they can learn without fear of exploitation,” Morath said. “Any individual who abuses their position of authority to harm a student has no place in Texas schools.”
The move comes weeks after Fuller stepped into the role of Inspector General for Educator Misconduct, a position created to strengthen investigations and enforcement across the state.
Fuller previously told The Dallas Express his office would focus on “rooting out the few bad actors that are tarnishing the entire profession” and taking a “multifunctional approach to eliminating problems so kids can go to school and be safe.”
Authorities have not released details about the alleged victim. The investigation remains ongoing.
State law requires professionals to report suspected child abuse within 24 hours. The Texas Education Agency works with law enforcement, child protective services, and prosecutors when handling these cases.
Officials urge anyone with information about educator misconduct to contact law enforcement or the appropriate state agencies.
