Progreso ISD teacher charged with harassment

McALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — Police charged a Progreso teacher with harassment last month after he allegedly ignored instructions to stop sending emails to another school district employee.

Officers charged Josaphat “Hoss” Lozano, 61, of Rio Hondo with harassment, a Class B misdemeanor.

Attorney Ricardo Rodriguez of Edinburg, who represents Lozano, declined to comment.

“Just to protect him — at this point, obviously — I would just say: No comment at this time,” Rodriguez said.

Lozano works for the Progreso Independent School District.

In December, a disagreement over how to handle special education services resulted in a series of emails between Lozano and other Progreso ISD employees.

Lozano claimed other school district employees had broken the law, threatened him and violated his civil rights.

During the dispute, two Progreso ISD employees accused Lozano of making threatening comments. They warned Lozano to stop contacting them.

Lozano, though, continued to send emails to one of the employees, according to a complaint filed with the Progreso Municipal Court.

“Complainant stated that she received 5-6 emails after she verbally and in writing (email) told Mr. Lozano 3-4 times to stop ALL communication with her,” according to the complaint. “Complainant wants to file proper charges.”

The Progreso Police Department arrested Lozano on Jan. 22.

Superintendent Sergio Coronado said he couldn’t comment on the incident because Progreso ISD is conducting an internal investigation.

If convicted on the harassment charge, Lozano faces a maximum of 180 days in jail.