Former Texas Coach Charged with Child Grooming

Sergio Gonzalez, a former coach at A.C. New Middle School in the Mesquite Independent School District, has been arrested on charges of child grooming involving a 14-year-old student. The Balch Springs Police Department launched an investigation after the school district reported suspicions of an inappropriate relationship. Gonzalez, who had been with the district since 2004, was placed on leave on August 20 and resigned shortly thereafter. The new Texas law classifies child grooming as a third-degree felony, carrying a potential penalty of up to ten years in prison. Police stated that video evidence showed Gonzalez spending the night with the student inside the school. He is currently being held at the Balch Springs City jail pending transfer to Dallas County jail.