Saturday, February 15, 2025

Copperas Cove ISD educator arrested, charged for alleged sexual assault of child

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A Copperas Cove high school educator was arrested on Thursday for the alleged sexual assault of a child, according to a media release by the Copperas Cove Police Department.

Lawrence Dale Varela-Halbert, 39, was charged on three counts of sexual assault of a child by Coryell County Justice of the Peace on Friday.

On Nov. 7, Copperas Cove police were notified of an allegation regarding an improper relationship between a female student and an educator at S.C Lee Junior High School. The offense reportedly occurred in 2021 when the student attended the school, and where the educator was also employed at the time.

Police say investigators found that a sexual relationship happened between the student and the educator at his residence in Copperas Cove in 2021.

According to a statement by Copperas Cove ISD, the district initially became aware of the allegation in late October, and the educator was immediately removed from campus and placed on administrative leave.

“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,” Superintendent Dr. Joe Burns said in the statement. “In the meantime, I encourage you to speak with your children about the importance of speaking up if they witness or experience any behavior that makes them feel uncomfortable.”

Varela-Halbert was taken into custody after the case was reviewed by a Coryell County grand jury on Thursday.

According to the jail roster, Varela-Halbert was booked at the Coryell County Jail on Saturday. He is being held on a $150,000 bond.