ARLINGTON, TX – A Texas charter school principal, a teacher, and a staff member were arrested this week as part of an ongoing investigation into child grooming and an improper relationship between an educator and a student, according to police.
Newman International Academy (NIA) Police Department stated that information received on Feb. 6 led to the immediate termination of high school educator Ruel Barbee and staff member Gabrielle Little. Barbee was arrested for an improper relationship with a student.
Little was arrested on Feb. 10 on a charge of child grooming but is no longer in custody.
The school’s principal, Rick Adams, was arrested on Feb. 12 after investigators obtained statements and evidence giving them probable cause. He faces three counts of tampering with evidence, one count of tampering with a witness, and failure to report abuse. The tampering charges are third-degree felonies.
In response to the arrests, NIA Superintendent Dr. Sheba George issued a statement condemning any form of student exploitation and pledging accountability for all misconduct allegations.
The school district has placed Adams, the campus athletic director, the head varsity girls’ basketball coach, and an assistant football coach on paid administrative leave while the investigation continues.
Authorities say the investigation remains ongoing, and further details will be released as permitted by law.
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