New Braunfels High School teacher arrested, accused of improper relationship with student

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NEW BRAUNFELS, Texas (KXAN) -- A New Braunfels High School teacher was arrested this week and faces a charge of improper relationship between an educator and student.

Bryant Shephard, 41, was arrested Tuesday after New Braunfels Independent School District officials alerted the New Braunfels Police Department that he was "observed having inappropriate contact with a female student while on campus," according to a press release from the City of New Braunfels. An attorney is not listed online for him.

According to the release, NBISD officials notified NBPD of the incident on Thursday, March 2, and detectives immediately began their investigation, which led to the arrest warrant.

The warrant was served by members of the US Marshal’s Lone Star Fugitive Task Force.

New Braunfels High School Principal Chris Smith said in a letter sent to parents and guardians on March 2 that Shephard -- who was not named in the letter -- was no longer an employee of the school district as of March 2. It said someone reported "allegations of inappropriate conduct" to the administration March 1 and it took "immediate action."

According to the letter, he was also the girls assistant soccer coach, and he began teaching and coaching at the school in 2017.

"The safety and well-being of our students is of utmost importance, and we will do everything in our power to ensure that our school community remains a safe and welcoming environment for all," the letter stated, and asked parents to speak with their children "about the importance of speaking up if they witness or experience any behavior that makes them feel uncomfortable."

Following his arrest, Shephard, who was found at an address in San Antonio, was taken to the Bexar County Jail without further incident and bond was set at $250,000.

Shephard is awaiting transfer to the Comal County Jail.

Improper relationship between an educator and student is a second-degree felony.

The investigation into this case is ongoing, and Shephard potentially faces additional charges, officials said.

Anyone who believes they are, or someone they know may be, a victim is encouraged to call New Braunfels Police at 830-221-4100.