BISD teacher arrested for improper relationship; ‘others involved’

Julio Ricardo Trujillo

A Brownsville teacher has been arrested on allegations of an improper relationship with a student, a case which the school district says spawned misinformation on social media. 

Cameron County District Attorney Luis V. Saenz announced Thursday the arrest of Julio Ricardo Trujillo, which he said in a Facebook post was a result of an ongoing investigation into an alleged improper relationship between the 43-year-old teacher and a student.

Trujillo was arrested on a charge of improper relationship between an educator and student. 

“As educators, we entrust teachers with the profound responsibility of guiding and protecting our students. When that trust is violated, we will act swiftly and decisively,” Saenz said in his post. Our office is committed to upholding the safety and integrity of our schools and ensuring justice for all students.”

Following his arrest, Saenz said Trujillo was transported to the Carrizales-Rucker Detention Center in Olmito, where he is currently being held pending arraignment. 

While Saenz did not provide any additional information, the district said there are “others involved,” in their own statement addressing recent allegations at the Rivera and Hanna early college high schools.

According to the district’s website, Trujillo is listed as a criminal justice teacher at Rivera. 

BISD didn’t name Trujillo in the statement, but did mention that one of the employees had been arrested. As for the others, the district said they are no longer employees or are currently on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigations. 

Simon Rivera Early College High School in Brownsville is seen in this undated photo. (Courtesy: Rivera Early College High School/Brownsville ISD/Facebook)

“To maintain the integrity of the investigation, outside interference is strictly prohibited and may be considered obstruction,” the district said. “Therefore, in accordance with BISD policy and standard procedures, we are unable to comment further on ongoing investigations or personnel matters.”

Officials are also combating misinformation due to a fake statement circulating on social media, which BISD noted “the misuse of our official letterhead to distribute false information is strictly prohibited and illegal, as it undermines the trust and integrity of our district.”

The statement that BISD says was doctored claims a physical education teacher was moved to a new position at the district’s Department of Pupil Services with a salary increase and an apartment allowance. 

“We urge everyone to rely exclusively on our official social media outlets and website for accurate updates and information. If you receive any suspicious communications claiming to be from BISD that are not from an official source, please report them immediately,” the statement read. “Those who impersonate the district or misuse our letterhead for misleading purposes may face legal action.”

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