West Texas Teacher Arrested, Accused of Improper Relationship With Student

BALMORHEA, TX — A 22-year-old former Balmorhea ISD substitute teacher has been arrested and accused of having an improper relationship with a student during the 2025-26 school year, according to the Reeves County Sheriff’s Office and an arrest affidavit.

Meranda Jasmin Valerio was arrested Sept. 2 following an investigation by the Reeves County Sheriff’s Office into allegations of inappropriate conduct involving her and a now-former Balmorhea ISD student.

According to the affidavit, investigators received information alleging that Valerio had been involved in a relationship with the student while she was working as a substitute teacher for Balmorhea ISD.

Information provided through a Child Protective Services report identified the alleged victim as a 17-year-old male at the time of the reported conduct.

Investigators interviewed witnesses, the alleged victim and Valerio.

The Reeves County Sheriff’s Office said investigators obtained an arrest warrant for Valerio following the investigation. She was arrested on one count of improper relationship between an educator and a student.

Under Section 21.12 of the Texas Penal Code, an employee of a public or private primary or secondary school can commit the offense of improper relationship between an educator and a student by engaging in certain sexual conduct with a student enrolled at the school where the employee works. The offense is classified as a second-degree felony under Texas law.

The statute applies regardless of the age of the student in certain circumstances and prohibits the public release of the name of a student involved in an alleged improper relationship with an educator.

Balmorhea ISD is a public school district in Reeves County serving students in Balmorhea. The district lists substitute positions among its employment classifications and requires applicants to submit criminal history and pre-employment documentation.

The allegations against Valerio remain accusations. An arrest does not constitute a conviction, and the case must be resolved through the court system.