The Texas Education Agency announced on Mar. 31 that a former Sanger Independent School District police officer, Demello, has been placed on the state’s Do Not Hire Registry following his arrest on multiple felony charges related to misconduct involving a student.
This action is significant as it underscores the agency’s commitment to protecting students and maintaining trust in Texas schools. The registry serves as a safeguard to prevent individuals with substantiated histories of misconduct from working in any school system in the state.
According to court records, Demello was arrested on charges including 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 charges are classified as second-degree felonies. The investigation was conducted in coordination with the Sanger Independent School District and the Sanger Police Department in Denton County.
“The integrity of our schools depends on the trust placed in every adult who serves students,” said Inspector General for Educator Misconduct Levi Fuller. “When that trust is violated, particularly in cases involving exploitation or abuse of a student, we act decisively. This placement sends a clear and unequivocal message: misconduct will not be tolerated in any form, and those who engage in it will be removed from Texas schools permanently.”
Texas Education Commissioner Mike Morath also addressed the situation: “Students deserve safe environments where they can learn without fear of exploitation. Any individual who abuses their position of authority to harm a student has no place in Texas schools. We will use every tool available to ensure that those who commit such acts are held accountable and prevented from re-entering any school system.” Placement on the Do Not Hire Registry is among the most serious administrative actions TEA can take; all school systems are required to consult this registry before hiring employees.
Professionals are legally required to report suspected child abuse within 24 hours after first suspecting abuse or neglect under Senate Bill 571 passed during the 89th Texas Legislative Session—an update from previous law which allowed up to 48 hours for reporting such concerns.
The agency urges anyone with information regarding educator or school employee misconduct to report it immediately both to TEA and local law enforcement.
