Galveston County, TX — A Dickinson ISD educator has been arrested following an investigation into allegations of an improper relationship with a 16-year-old student at the Galveston County Juvenile Justice Center.
The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office identified the educator as Kristi Hanks, 46, of La Marque.
According to the Sheriff’s Office, its Major Crimes Unit began investigating in early August after the Juvenile Justice Center reported concerns about a teacher’s relationship with a student.
Hanks works as an educator for Dickinson ISD and was assigned during the summer to provide educational instruction to students at the Juvenile Justice Center.
Investigators said the case involved interviews with multiple people, the collection of material evidence and admissions made by Hanks. Authorities allege Hanks maintained frequent contact with the 16-year-old outside an academic setting and engaged in an improper relationship.
The investigation was conducted with assistance from the Galveston County Juvenile Justice Center and Office of Inspector General.
Authorities presented the case to the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office, which determined probable cause existed for a charge of Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student and recommended a $100,000 bond.
An arrest warrant was issued Aug. 19. Hanks was taken into custody during a traffic stop near her residence by the Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit with assistance from its Crime Reduction Unit.
Charges are accusations, and Hanks is presumed innocent unless proven guilty in a court of law.