UPDATE:
Waco ISD confirmed with 25 News that the campus aide recently removed and arrested is Jody Edwards, who was booked into the McLennan County Jail on Tuesday Aug. 26 for child grooming.
The district also confirmed that the inappropriate communications were with a Waco High student.
Edward's bail is listed at $10,000. The child grooming charge is a third degree felony in the State of Texas, punishable by two to 10 years in prison. Texas Penal Code Section 15.032, also known as "Audrii's Law," went into effect on Sept. 1, 2023.
ORIGINAL:
A Waco High School campus aide was removed following an investigation into allegations of inappropriate communication at the school.
Jill Anderson, Executive Director of Communications with Waco ISD, confirmed with 25 News that an email was sent by Waco High Principal Joseph Alexander informing families on the criminal investigation.
"On Monday, August 25, Waco High School campus administration alerted the Waco ISD Police Department to allegations of inappropriate communication involving a campus aide at Waco High School. Following a criminal investigation by the Waco ISD Police Department, the individual was taken into custody and is no longer employed by the district."
The email went on to say that the district is taking the matter very seriously and holds all employees to the highest standards of conduct.
Below is a statement from Waco ISD regarding the arrest of the Waco High campus aide:
"Waco ISD is deeply committed to the safety, well-being, and education of every student in our care. On Monday, August 25, the Waco ISD Police Department was made aware of allegations of inappropriate communication involving a campus aide at Waco High School. The appropriate authorities were contacted, and following a criminal investigation by the Waco ISD Police Department, the individual was taken into custody. The individual is no longer employed by the district. The safety of our students is and will always remain our top priority. We expect our employees to foster an environment where our students feel safe, supported, and valued. We want to reassure families that we are taking this matter seriously and thank them for trusting Waco ISD with the education of their students."
