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According to LawOfficer, a science teacher at Memorial High School located at 935 Echo Ln, Houston, TX 77024, is facing serious allegations after being accused of maintaining an illicit relationship with an 18-year-old student, according to a criminal complaint filed in Harris County District Court. Stephen Griffin, 46, has been charged with felony offenses for allegedly providing test answers and perfect grades to the student while engaging in a months-long sexual relationship.
According to reports, the female high school student revealed to Spring Branch ISD Police that she had met her science teacher, Griffin, for affairs at a hotel and later at his apartment during the 2022 and 2023 school year. The student's mother initially reported the compromising relationship to the school administration in late November 2023. Subsequently, the student provided incriminating text messages exchanged between herself and Griffin to the police during their preliminary investigation.
The inappropriate relationship is said to have begun in September 2022 when the student emailed Griffin, expressing a desire to join him for lunch in his classroom. Griffin responded by sharing his personal cellphone number, citing "similar backgrounds" and offering to be available for support and confiding. The relationship escalated through text messages, leading to sexual encounters at various locations, including a hotel and the back of the student's car.
In addition to the alleged sexual activities, the student claimed that Griffin provided her with advance test answers and awarded her perfect scores on all assignments. She further disclosed that Griffin had given her his staff jacket and a scented candle as gifts during their months-long relationship.
However, the relationship reportedly ended in midsummer 2023 when Griffin informed the student that he was attempting to reconcile with his wife. During the investigation, a digital forensic technician from Spring Branch ISD obtained the student's phone to search her Snapchat and Signal accounts for further evidence of communication with Griffin. Notably, a disturbing Snapchat message from Griffin was discovered, in which he expressed suicidal thoughts and pleaded for contact with the student.
Regardless of the student being 18 at the time, the alleged sexual misconduct is prohibited by law under Texas Penal Code 21.12, which considers an improper relationship between an educator and a student as a second-degree felony. If convicted, Griffin could face up to 20 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
Griffin's attorney, Justin Harris, has denied the allegations, claiming there is no evidence to support them. Harris emphasized that Griffin has been a model teacher throughout his career and that the charges have blindsided him. The defense team is currently pursuing leads that may explain the origins of the allegations.
Spring Branch ISD officials have not confirmed the employment status of Stephen Griffin at Memorial High School. However, his name remains listed in the staff directory on the school's website, as of January 8, 2024.
Griffin is scheduled to appear in court on February 28, where further details regarding the case are expected to emerge.
We sit down with experienced sex abuse attorney Anjali Nigam, Esq., to discuss the legal avenues available to victims sexually abused by a high school teacher. By examining the benefits of civil cases, we explore the liable parties, potential compensation, and the vital support needed for victims seeking justice.
Editor Darla Medina (DM): Thank you for joining us, Anjali.
Anjali Nigam, Esq. (AN): Thank you, Darla. It's my pleasure to be here.
DM: In light of the recent allegations made against the science teacher at Memorial High School, we want to discuss the potential for civil cases that victims of sexual abuse by teachers may pursue. Anjali, could you provide some insights into this matter?
AN: Absolutely, Darla. Victims of sexual abuse by high school teachers have legal options to seek justice through civil cases. These cases typically involve holding the liable parties accountable for their actions and seeking compensation for the harm caused to the victims.
DM: What are some examples of liable parties in such cases?
AN: In cases like this, liable parties may include the teacher involved, the school district, school administrators, and potentially the individuals responsible for hiring and supervising the teacher. Each case is unique, and determining the parties who might be held responsible requires a thorough investigation.
DM: What steps should victims take if they believe they have a civil case?
AN: It's crucial for victims to seek legal counsel from an experienced child sex abuse attorney. The attorney will guide them through the legal process, helping them understand their rights and options. It's important to act promptly, as there are statutes of limitations that vary from state to state.
DM: Can you elaborate on the potential compensation victims may seek through civil cases?
AN: Certainly, Darla. Victims may be awarded various forms of compensation, including medical expenses, therapy costs, pain and suffering, emotional distress, and even punitive damages in some cases. The goal is to provide victims with the financial means to heal and move forward with their lives.
DM: What advice would you give to victims who may be hesitant to come forward?
AN: I understand that coming forward can be incredibly difficult for victims, but I would encourage them to reach out to a trusted attorney who specializes in sex abuse cases. These attorneys understand the sensitive nature of these cases and can provide the necessary support and guidance throughout the legal process.
DM: Thank you, Anjali, for sharing your knowledge on this important topic. We appreciate your time today.
AN: Thank you for having me, Darla. It's crucial to raise awareness about the legal options available to victims of sexual abuse by teachers and to support them in seeking justice.
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