A Texas school superintendent, Michael Keith Stevens, has been arrested for online solicitation of a minor after allegedly sending lewd photos to an undercover officer posing as a 15-year-old girl. The incident took place in the Itasca Independent School District, located approximately 55 miles south of Dallas. Stevens, 47 years old, was taken into custody on Thursday and now faces charges of soliciting a minor online, according to court records.
Stevens, who served as the superintendent of the Itasca Independent School District, was detained at the Harris County jail on Friday afternoon. Public records indicate that his bond has been set at $100,000. At the time of his arrest, it remains unclear whether Stevens has retained an attorney. Efforts to reach his relatives for comment were unsuccessful. Notably, Stevens was one of seven individuals apprehended as a result of an undercover operation conducted by multiple local law enforcement agencies. Officers posed as teenagers aged 13, 14, and 15, engaging in online communication to expose potential predators.
Providing further details on the case, Harris County Precinct 1 Constable Alan Rosen released a video statement on Facebook. Constable Rosen stated that the school administrator was allegedly communicating with a person he believed to be a teenage girl from Houston. During their conversations, Stevens reportedly sent explicit images of himself and requested nude videos and images in return. The constable also revealed that some of the explicit photos appeared to have been taken in Stevens' office, and he was even making plans to travel to Houston to engage in sexual acts.
Constable Rosen highlighted Stevens' extensive history of working with children, stating that he had been involved in education as a coach, principal, and assistant principal in various towns across North Texas. The superintendent is married but does not have any children of his own. The news of Stevens' arrest has sent shockwaves through the community, and the Itasca school district has not yet issued an official statement regarding the incident.
However, a message posted on the district's Facebook page acknowledged the situation. The statement, published on June 1, 2023, read, "On June 1, 2023, the District was contacted by a detective with the Harris County Sheriff’s Department. According to the detective, Superintendent Michael Stevens was taken into custody. Until more facts are confirmed, no further information can be shared. The Board of Trustees will be convening a meeting to review this matter and take appropriate action." The school district has scheduled a special meeting to address the situation and potentially determine the next course of action.
According to NBC Dallas-Fort Worth, Stevens assumed the position of superintendent in 2022 after working in several other Texas districts. His arrest has undoubtedly raised concerns and questions among parents and community members about the safety and well-being of students under his care. Constable Rosen, in his video statement, urged parents to remain vigilant and actively monitor their children's online activities. He emphasized the need for parents to be aware of the various apps and tools available to help ensure their children's safety in the digital world.
The arrest of Superintendent Michael Keith Stevens serves as a stark reminder of the importance of protecting children from online predators. It also underscores the need for continued education and awareness regarding online safety for both parents and children. As the legal proceedings unfold, the Itasca Independent School District and the community at large will be closely watching developments and seeking assurances that appropriate actions will be taken to address this disturbing situation.
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