Clarissa McDaniel, a Llano, Texas, high school teacher, was arrested on felony sex assault charges in a case police say involves a student. (Twitter)
A Texas high school teacher has been arrested on sexual assault charges in a case police say involves a student at her school.
Clarissa Sue McDaniel, who teaches theatre at Llano High School, was charged with two counts of improper relationship between educator and student, a second-degree felony, the Llano Police Department said in a press release.
The 28-year-old teacher was arrested on Friday, police said. She has resigned from her position at the high school, KXAN-TV reports.
Here’s what you need to know:
1. McDaniel Was Arrested at the High School After Administrators Reported the Allegations to Police
Clarissa McDaniel. (Llano County Sheriff’s Office)
Clarissa Sue McDaniel was taken into custody Friday at Llano High School. According to the Llano Police Department press release, she was arrested after school administrators notified them of the allegations at about 10 a.m. on Friday.
“The Llano Police Department, Llano County Sheriff’s Department, and Texas Rangers conducted an investigation into the allegations, which resulted in the arrest,” the press release states.
School officials sent a letter to all high school parents and guardians to notify them about the incident, police said. The school district has not yet commented.
No other details about the “inappropriate relationship” have been made public.
The investigation is still ongoing, police said.
“If anybody has concerns or information regarding the investigation they are encouraged to contact the Llano Police Department at (325) 247-3028, or the Llano County Sheriff’s Department at (325)247-5050,” police said.
2. She Is a Graduate of Llano High School & Returned to Her Alma Mater to be a Theater Teacher in 2015
Clarissa McDaniel. (Twitter)
McDaniel graduated from Llano High School in 2006. She returned to her alma mater for the 2015-2016 school year after working in another district, according to her Facebook page.
She was also the school’s yearbook adviser and directed its One Act Play, according to the principal’s back to school letter.
McDaniel additionally was the speech and debate team’s head coach.
3. She Was a Teacher at Breckenridge High School After Attending Texas A&M University
A screenshot of Clarissa McDaniel’s Facebook page.
Before returning to Llano High School, Clarissa McDaniel worked as as theatre, speech and debate teacher at Breckenridge High School, about 160 miles north of Llano.
She posted a message on Facebook after accepting the position in Llano:
For the past two years I have had the honor and privilege to work at BHS with incredible students, awesome co-workers, and amazing administration. I have been abundantly blessed by my students and their parents. I have found great support and friendship in my co-workers and administration. Though I had no intention of leaving BHS, I have been offered and accepted a position in my hometown, at my alma matter. I will forever have a place in my heart for Breckenridge and all the incredible people I met here. Thank you for all the wonderful friendships, support, memories, and opportunities.
McDaniel graduated from Texas A&M University in 2010 with a theatre arts degree. She then completed her master’s degree in education, with a focus on culture and curriculum, at Texas A&M in 2013.
4. She Often Tweeted About Her Students, Calling Them Her ‘Babies’
A screenshot of a tweet posted by Clarissa McDaniel. (Twitter)
McDaniel often tweeted about her students and the play she was directing on her account @CMcDanielLHS.
She often called her students her “babies.”
McDaniel last tweeted on Thursday, one day before she was arrested, asking in a poll, “Should LHS offer a square dancing class?”
5. She Was Released on Bail & Faces Up to 20 Years in Prison on Each Charge
Clarissa McDaniel. (Twitter)
McDaniel was released on $50,000 bail on Friday after she was arrested, KEYE-TV reports.
She faces up to 20 years in prison on each count if convicted, the news station reports.
