Spring Teacher Charged in Improper Relationship

SPRING, Texas - One of two Spring High School teachers being investigated for having sex with students is now facing charges.

Deanna Higgins, 27, of Spring turned herself in on Tuesday and immediately posted bond.

Higgins taught science at Spring High School since January of 2008. Last month the district put her on leave when the allegations came to light.

She faces two second degree felony charges, including sexual assault of a child and having an improper relationship between an educator and a student.

Students left school with a letter to their parents. It informed them Higgins is accused of having sex with a male student.

Investigators say the boy was 16-years-old when the alleged offenses occurred and a student in Higgins' biology class during the 2008-2009 school year.

Some on campus were surprised.

"She was really honest about our work. She really cared about our work and was really cool," said Brenda Galeano, who had Higgins as a teacher.

Others say they've been hearing the rumors for a while.

"I heard he had sex with her, and he was going around school showboating about it," said Austin Weeks, a student.

Last month school district police say they got a tip from a third party. According to court papers filed in the case, that third party is Higgins' ex-husband.

The ex-husband told investigators Higgins had given their eight-year-old son her old cell phone. He says he noticed text messages from Higgins to someone named "T." The messages allegedly showed there was an inappropriate relationship between his ex-wife and a student.

Away from school, investigators say the two had sex at least twice last Spring, including once inside the teacher's home and again in the student's truck he had parked in the driveway while Higgins' children were asleep inside the house.

Court papers say the teacher lost her underwear in the truck, but the student found them and kept the pair in his truck's glove box. Investigators say the underwear was still there months later when they got consent to search the vehicle.

"She's not a predator. Truthfully, where was she when I was there? I don't think she should be charged with anything. It takes two to tango," said Weeks.

Higgins is the fourth Spring ISD teacher in two years to face similar accusations. On Tuesday the district informed students yet another Spring High teacher has been placed on leave but not charged.

FOX 26 has learned the allegations involve a male teacher having sex with a female student.

The district wants parents to know improper relationships will not be tolerated and officials take all allegations seriously.

When reached by phone, the student's mother says she has no comment on the matter. Neither Higgins nor her family could be reached for comment.