Publisher’s note: All individuals are innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Story update:
With the bond amount set at $100,000 for each felony charge, totaling to $300,000, Pursley posted bail and was released on Saturday, Feb. 13.
Original story, published on Friday, Feb. 12:
Sean Micheal Pursley, 30, of Wharton was charged with three counts of indecency with a child by sexual contact and booked into the Wharton County jail at 3:21 p.m. on Friday, Feb. 12.
His arrest is following a Wharton Independent School District (WISD) investigation into allegations of inappropriate physical prompts with students.
Pursley has been with WISD since 2017, where he taught 3rd, 4th and 5th grades during his tenure.
He was placed on administrative leave at the beginning of the investigation and resigned from WISD shortly after.
Pursley was also a youth ministry leader, choir director and fellowship member of Grace Community Fellowship Church (GCF) in Wharton.
Though it has not been confirmed that he remains in his youth ministry position, GCF has removed Purlsey from its website.
The investigation and arrest was led by WISD Police Department with the assistance of the Texas Rangers.
Bail has not been set for Pursley and he remains in custody.
WISD Superintendent Michael O’Guin Sr. issued this statement in regards to the recent arrest.
“The District is aware of allegations leading to the recent arrest of a former Wharton ISD teacher and has taken those allegations very seriously. When allegations surfaced, the District quickly implemented a plan to ensure the safety of our students.
“First and foremost, the staff member in question was removed from the school campus, and the District also notified law enforcement as well as the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services.
“The administration has concluded its investigation and appropriate action has been taken. The teacher is no longer an employee of Wharton ISD. Federal law mandates student confidentiality and state law and local policy mandate the confidentiality of any specific personnel action.
“The District is committed to efficiently and effectively handling this issue with as little disruption to our students as possible. As always, we strive to maintain a safe and positive learning environment for our students. The arrest of one of our former staff members does not change that commitment.
“Because this is a pending criminal matter and in the interest of respecting the privacy of those involved, the District will allow the legal process to take its course and will refrain from commenting further.”
I wonder if GCF is going to change their views on LGBT people sexualizing children, now that one of their own is guilty of what they claim the LGBT community for???
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