Teacher, coach arrested for improper relationship with minor

On Wednesday, April 26 at 3:29 Superintendent of Atlanta ISD, Jason Harris, sent out a letter to parents informing them that a teacher and coach that worked for the district had been arrested. The following morning the Cass County Sheriff’s Department released a statement and a mugshot listing the suspect as 30-year-old Taureaus Alvaro Maxwell Jr.

The press release from the Sheriff’s Department said that “on Wednesday, April 26, 2023, Taureaus Alvaro Maxwell Jr. (DOB: 11/25/1992) was arrested by the Cass County Sheriff’s Office on multiple warrants for Indecency with a Child (Second Degree Felony), Online Solicitation of a Child (Third Degree Felony}, and Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student (Second Degree Felony).”

“Maxwell Jr. was employed as a teacher and a coach by the Atlanta Independent School District and worked at the Atlanta High School and Atlanta Middle School at the time the allegations were made. Bonds will be set by Justice Peace PCT 1 Barbara McMillon.”

It has been reported that “Maxwell remains in the Cass County jail on bail of $2.2 million.” In the letter from Harris to the parents it states that “in our efforts to keep you informed about events on or near our campus, we wanted to share with you that an employee who worked at the high school and middle school was arrested by the Cass County Sheriff’s Office following allegations of behaving in an inappropriate manner with students. “We can assure you that when district personnel learned of the allegations, immediate action was taken, and that staff member was placed on leave pending the outcome of an internal and police investigation. This individual is no longer working for the district.

“Any time allegations of this nature are brought to us, we act swiftly and effectively to take appropriate action. The details are being investigated by district personnel, and we are filing all necessary reports required by law to the Texas Education Agency. There is no greater priority than the health, safety and welfare of our children, and we applaud the individual s) who bravely came forward with information and reported it to authorities.

“If you have any questions or concerns regarding this situation, please feel free to contact me by phone at (903) 796-4194 or email at jharris@atlisd.net.’

The Journal-Sun has been able to confirm with Atlanta ISD that he was hired in March 2022, and placed on leave on April 10.

“All potential employees must pass a comprehensive criminal background check as required by law. Additionally, we consult the Texas Education Agency’s Do Not Hire Registry and check applicant references.”