CIBOLO, Texas – Three former elementary school staff members were arrested in connection with a misconduct investigation, the Cibolo Police Department said Monday.
Paraprofessionals Julia Cantu and Veronica Guerra-Ulrich, along with teacher Jessica Longo, were taken into custody and booked into the Guadalupe County Jail, police said. All three were employed at Watts Elementary School.
On Dec. 17, the Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City Independent School District (SCUCISD) notified Cibolo police of allegations regarding the three former employees.
After reviewing evidence, including interviews with SCUCISD administration and related camera footage available, police said they were able to establish probable cause to seek arrest warrants.
Cantu was charged with injury to a child, a first-degree felony. Guerra-Ulrich and Longo were charged with unlawful restraint, a state jail felony, police said.
“The Cibolo Police Department places the highest priority on the safety and well-being of children in our community,” Cibolo Police Chief Thedrick Andres said.
Police did not provide further details on what led up to the arrests, but said additional charges may be considered as the investigation continues. Anyone with information is urged to contact the Cibolo Police Department.
On Tuesday, SCUCISD sent KSAT the following statement:
“Schertz-Cibolo-Universal City ISD became aware of the misconduct on December 17 and took immediate action to ensure student safety, including promptly contacting impacted families and reporting the matter to law enforcement; the individuals involved are no longer employed by the district.
“In addition, a report has been filed with the Texas Department of Child Protective Services, and an employee misconduct report has been submitted to the Texas Education Agency. The conduct under investigation is unacceptable and not aligned with the district’s values, expectations, or the training provided to staff.
“Our students’ safety, dignity, and well-being are non-negotiable and remain our highest priority. SCUC ISD continues to fully cooperate with the Cibolo Police Department as the investigation proceeds.”
Read also: