FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

TEACHER’S AIDE SENTENCED TO PRISON
FOR MOLESTING STUDENT WITH CEREBRAL PALSY

San Antonio, Texas: February 17, 2009:

District Attorney Susan D. Reed announced today that Bret Jernigan, 26, a former teacher’s aide at Brackenridge High School was sentenced to 10 years in prison by 399th District Court Judge Juanita Vazquez-Gardner for Indecency with a Child by Contact.

The State alleged that Jernigan engaged in the criminal conduct during working hours while employed at Brackenridge H.S. as an Educational Aide, specifically assigned to assist children with disabilities. The 16-year old complainant, who has cerebral palsy, was dependent on Jernigan’s assistance as a care provider.

Under the terms of the plea agreement Jernigan was also required to surrender his Texas Educator Certificate and will have to register as a sex offender for life.

Indecency with a Child by Contact is a second degree felony offense and carries a punishment range of two to twenty years imprison and a fine of up to $10,000.

For more information contact Adriana H. Biggs, Chief, White Collar Crime Division at (210) 335-2404.