Spring Branch ISD teacher accused of improper relationship with student
HOUSTON - One Spring Branch ISD teacher has been accused of improper relationship with a student, according to court records.
Records state Stephen Griffin, 46, was arrested.
Court records stated the investigation began back on November 30 when the school principal at Memorial High School spoke with a school resource officer who stated she received a call from the victim and they wanted to meet somewhere other than at the high school.
After meeting with the parent, the victim's step-father, and the victim, it was learned that the relationship between the victim and Griffin began last school year 2022-2023. Court records stated the victim provided screenshots of text messages between her and Griffin.
The victim stated the relationship started around September 23, 2022, when she was 18-years-old and a student in Griffin's science class.
It started when the victim e-mailed Griffin asking if she could eat lunch in his classroom during his off period.
Following that interaction, the victim stated she received an e-mail from Griffin stating they had "similar background," and that if the victim ever needed help or anyone to talk to that she could contact him. He also included his cell phone number in the e-mail.
The victim told authorities that she did reach out to Griffin for a few months via text message. During those messages, Griffin told the victim that he was going through a divorce and was staying at a hotel in Houston.
Later, the victim stated the relationship turned into a physical one during the Thanksgiving break in 2022.
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According to court documents, the victim drove over to Griffin's hotel room, and while at the hotel room, the victim said she and Griffin had sex. The victim stated that Griffin's hotel room turned into a regular meeting place for them throughout the relationship.
The victim also stated that she and Griffin had mutual oral sex in his classroom during his off period while on campus at Memorial High School, but couldn't provide the date.
In another instance, she stated that she had sex with Griffin one time in the back of her car.
Later on, the victim and Griffin started messaging through a phone app called 'Signal' and 'Snapchat,' and they would use those methods more than text messaging.
Court documents stated that the victim said Griffin moved out of the hotel and into an apartment. The victim said that's when the relationship turned more sexual and that Griffin was 'very touchy' when she would visit and would get upset when she was not in the mood to engage in sexual acts.
The school resource officer asked the victim if Griffin ever hurt her physically, to which, she said no, the documents stated.
The victim stated that Griffin then started giving her test answers on class assignments and later just started giving her 100 grades on her work in class. Griffin also gave the victim his gray staff fleece jacket and a candle that smelled like his cologne "Hero" by Burberry as gifts.
Court documents stated the victim said the relationship lasted until mid-summer of 2023 when Griffin texted her stating not to contact him anymore because he and his wife were trying to reconcile.
Then on December 6, according to court documents, after Griffin was aware of the school's investigation into the inappropriate relationship, the victim's phone was extracted by a Spring Branch ISD's Police Digital Forensic technician.
In the extraction, a message to the victim from Griffin stated, "We need to talk. I miss you. Can we talk? I'm suicidal right now. Call me, OK babe. This is how it's going to be? Don't do this, call me. Can we talk in person? Want money? I'm about to kill myself. Please call me."
Griffin has already posted a $5,000 bond and he's next scheduled to appear in court on February 28, 2024.
The following message was sent to Memorial High School families:
Dear MHS Students and Families,
A Memorial High School employee has been arrested for an alleged improper relationship with a student. When the allegations came to our attention, we immediately removed the individual from the classroom and placed them on administrative leave. The alleged incidents reportedly occurred during the 2022-23 school year.
Along with Superintendent Blaine and our SBISD Board of Trustees, as the principal of Memorial High School, I am outraged by this alleged conduct. The safety of every student is our very highest priority, and having a strong moral compass is a key SBISD core value. We will never tolerate inappropriate actions on the part of any Memorial High School employee who endangers or harms our students.
These allegations, if true, are a complete breach of the trust we place in our educators. If proven true, we urge the justice system to take the strongest possible action against this individual.
We once again remind our families, students and staff to use the Anonymous Reporting link on our campus website, and to follow the district’s See Something. Say Something protocol to report any issues of concern regarding the safety and well-being of students and staff.
We thank the individuals who brought forward concerns that led to this investigation.
Lisa Weir
Principal