Spring ISD middle school teacher accused of raping student in classroom

If this happened to my daughter the piece of shit would not make it to trial, let alone the jail.

HOUSTON – A middle school teacher in Spring ISD is accused of raping a student in his classroom.

Andre Levelle Thomas, 32, is charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child.
According to court documents, the victim – a 13-year-old student at Edward Roberson Middle School – was called to Thomas’ classroom between 9th and 10th periods on August 31, 2011.
The victim said Thomas was her industrial technology teacher, and 10th period was his conference period.

The victim told police she was sitting on a desk at the back of the classroom when Thomas sexually assaulted her.

On October 4, the victim and her parents met with investigators at the Children’s Assessment Center in Houston, where the victim made outcry about the alleged assault.

Charges were filed against Thomas on October 11.  He was arrested, but was released on $30,000 bond. Spring ISD officials said Thomas was put on administrative leave, pending the outcome of the investigation.
"I was very disturbed that this happened inside of a school, first of all. That’s the only place I felt that she was safe. Without being anywhere else, I thought that she was safe at school. Then come to find out she isn’t," the victim’s father said.

Now, he’s just trying to help his daughter get through a very difficult time in her life.
"I just sat down and let her know that it wasn’t her fault that this happened to her. She’s just a young kid. She’s 13 years old. She’s the victim, not the person that caused it," he said.

In a letter to parents Wednesday morning, Roberson Principal Thad Gittens addressed the charges.
"I want to assure you that the safety of our students is of the highest importance at Roberson Middle School.

The criminal history and references of job applicants are routinely checked before they are hired. Incidents involving improper relationships between teachers and students are not tolerated in Spring ISD, and allegations of this nature are taken seriously. The district has made it a practice to investigate thoroughly any report received and pursue criminal charges when appropriate," Gittens wrote, adding that the school learned about the charges late Tuesday.

In the letter, Gittens also noted that he initially notified parents about the allegations by phone and email last week, before the charges were filed.

Thomas has been at Roberson since August of 2009. He teaches sixth- and seventh-grade students.
The victim’s father said there are already cameras in the hallways of the school, but he would like to see them placed in the classrooms, as well.