Dickinson ISD educator arrested for improper relationship between educator and student

A Dickinson ISD teacher who worked at the Galveston County Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program this summer was arrested and charged Wednesday, Aug. 19, with improper relationship between an educator and a 16-year-old student.

Kristi Hanks, 46, of La Marque was taken into custody during a traffic stop near her home after the Galveston County Sheriff's Office Major Crimes Unit obtained an arrest warrant, according to a sheriff's office news release reported by KGTX 7. She was booked into the Galveston County Jail on a $100,000 bond recommended by the Galveston County District Attorney's Office, which determined probable cause existed to charge her.

The JJAEP serves students from school districts across Galveston County, including Clear Creek ISD and Dickinson ISD. League City is primarily zoned to those two districts, according to the city's website.

How the investigation unfolded

The Major Crimes Unit began investigating in early August after receiving a report from the Galveston County Juvenile Justice Center about concerns over a teacher's relationship with a student, according to Click2Houston. The Juvenile Justice Center and the Office of Inspector General assisted.

Investigators collected material evidence, conducted multiple interviews and obtained an admission from Hanks, the sheriff's office said. Authorities allege she maintained frequent contact with the 16-year-old outside of an academic setting and engaged in an improper relationship.

The Crime Reduction Unit assisted the Major Crimes Unit in making the arrest during the traffic stop.

District response

Dickinson ISD said it had already placed Hanks on administrative leave before learning an arrest had been made. The district said it acted immediately after receiving information about the allegations.

The case has been referred to the Galveston County District Attorney's Office.

Dickinson ISD noted that the JJAEP is operated by Galveston County, not by the district. Dickinson ISD serves as the educational partner, employing the teachers and administrators who provide instruction inside the program. Students placed in the JJAEP may come from any participating district in the county.