A high school teacher in Southeast Texas is facing charges after authorities allege he slept with a student in exchange for good grades and test answers. It is a big blunder sure to have some great consequences on his career.
Stephen Dale Griffin, 46, was a teacher of science at Memorial High School until December 2023, when he was arrested on one count of felony inappropriate relationship with a student.
The school is a part of the Spring Branch Independent School District. It is located in Hedwig Village, an east Houston suburb. According to a Harris County District Clerk charging document, his arrest happened on December 7. At this time, Griffin resided in Houston.
Griffin’s woes began in late November. It was that month the student’s mother reached out to the school principal to alert officials about the relationship. An interview with the police followed. It saw the 18-year-old woman tell officers the relationship began in late September when she was a student.
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According to the cops, the student had evidence in text messages and emails she exchanged with Griffin. Court papers revealed that the teen and Griffin had sexual relations during the 2022-2023 school year.
They reportedly had sexual contact in his apartment, in her car, and even in his classroom at some point. Before moving into his apartment, the charging document says Griffin was in the middle of a divorce. He had been staying at a hotel where the two also met on multiple occasions.
The student said Griffin ultimately gave her test answers on class assignments and later “just started giving her 100 grades on her work in his class.” He also reportedly gave her “his gray staff fleece jacket” and a candle with a similar smell to his Burberry cologne.
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Their illicit affair continued until this past summer, according to the teen. Cell phone records obtained by law enforcement in early October show that Griffin texted the teen to tell her to stop contacting him because he and his wife were “trying to reconcile.”
One might wonder if this was not what led to the secret getting out. But after it became public news and Griffin learned about his pending charge in early December, he contacted the teen and threatened to harm himself.
“We need to talk. I miss you,” some of his texts reportedly read. “I’m suicidal right now. Don’t do this. Want money?”
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At this time, Griffin is out on a $5,000 bond but under conditions including not having contact with the student or any minor under the age of 17. In addition, a judge has him wearing an electronic ankle monitor.
His attorney is Justin Harris. He could not be reached for a statement. But he will no doubt have a lot to say as Griffin is due back in court next month for a hearing on the charge.
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