Former North Texas school police officer faces child sex abuse charges

A former police officer for Sanger ISD is in the Denton County Jail, facing four felonies for an alleged relationship with a district student.

Israel Demello, 26, was charged with sexual assault of a child, sexual performance by a child, indecency with a child and improper relationship between educator and student.

According to a news release from Sanger PD, the department was notified of allegations that Demello had an inappropriate relationship with a student. The district placed him on administrative leave the next day. Further investigation by police warranted the charges, the department said.

Sanger ISD superintendent Tommy Hunter sent a letter to parents on Thursday "to provide further clarification and reassurance" regarding Demello's arrest. The letter said that Demello was last assigned to Chisholm Trail Elementary, but the alleged misconduct did not involve elementary students. Hunter said school police officers are moved between campuses by design, and Demello was never moved or reassigned due to misconduct allegations.

Hunter also said that a rumor circulating on social media that the district had received previous misconduct complaints against Demello was false. Hunter also encouraged anyone with information to contact Sanger PD.

In a previous letter to parents, the district said it was cooperating with police and had filed a report with the Texas Education Agency.