A former Teacher of the Year has admitted to maintaining a “continuous relationship” with a female student, which began when she was just 15 years old.
Brandin Martin Hargrove, 43, a former educator from Texas, faced multiple criminal charges relating to allegedly having sexual relations with a girl that began in 2007.
Following the allegations, Hargrove was placed on administrative leave. He was convicted on Wednesday for 12 counts related to the sexual assault of a former student while employed at Brazoswood High School in Clute, Texas.
The teacher, once celebrated for his accomplishments, received a sentence of 10 years of probation and 10 years of registration, which means he will not serve time in prison despite the serious nature of his offenses involving minors.
This year, his charges included sexual assault on a child, four counts of indecency with a child through contact, and two counts of indecency with a child through exposure.
The victim, who is now in her 30s, reported the incidents to the police nearly two decades after they occurred. Chief Fitch remarked on how different the handling of such cases has become, highlighting that in 2006, the response to such inappropriate teacher-student relationships was not what it is today.
According to Fitch, the district attorney’s office consulted with victims before finalizing the judicial agreement. He noted that they had spoken in court on the matter.
Hargrove faced the possibility of 2 to 20 years in prison but was instead sentenced for his role in the incidents involving indecency against minors.
