Former 'teacher of the year' accused of sexually assaulting female student for years

A former "teacher of the year" faces termination after accusations have surfaced of the Texas educator sexually assaulting a female student for years, according to police.

Brandyn Hargrove, 43, is a teacher at Brazoswood High School in Clute, Texas.

Hargrove was arrested on Dec. 21, 2023. She was charged with six counts of sexual assault of a child, four counts of indecency with a child by contact, and two counts of indecency with a child by exposure.

Hargrove was booked into the Brazoria County Jail and released hours later after posting a $240,000 bond.

A woman — who is now in her 30s — accused Hargrove of sexually abusing her when she was a teen. The alleged victim told police that she had an "ongoing relationship" with the teacher from age 15 to 17, according to the criminal complaint.

Hargrove — who was previously named "teacher of the year" and "teacher of the month" — faces accusations of having a two-year sexual relationship with a female student that reportedly took place off campus. At the time of the allegations, Hargrove was around 27 years old.

"Unfortunately, this happens more and more these days," said Clute Police Department Chief James Fitch. "Since that time we have other laws in effect, the improper relationship between educator and student was not in effect back then. But your kids go to school and you trust the teachers with that and then these types of things happen."

Finch said law enforcement is "unaware of any other victims."

The Brazosport Independent School District placed Hargrove on leave in September once officials found out about the police investigation.

"Upon notification of the investigation initiated by an outside agency on September 29, 2023, Brazosport ISD took immediate action and placed the employee on administrative leave to ensure that the employee did not have contact with students," the school district informed parents. "As a result of these charges, the district has initiated employment-related actions to separate her employment."

Hargrove faces termination when the school board determines her fate at a meeting to be held on Jan. 22.

The Brazosport Independent School District said in a statement:

BISD remains dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and integrity among our staff, and we take the safety and well-being of our students very seriously. We understand that this news may raise concerns. If any parent, student, or former student has concerns or questions, please do not hesitate to contact Brazoswood High School Principal Rita Pintavalle or Brazosport ISD Police Chief Wade Nichols. We appreciate your understanding and support during this challenging time.

Hargrove's attorney, Aaron Perry, previously declined to comment to KPRC-TV about the accusations of child sex crimes.

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