Odem-Edroy ISD has fired one coach and placed two others on paid leave following a reported assault on a school bus returning from a Hebbronville game.

CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Odem-Edroy ISD has terminated one coach and placed two others on paid administrative leave following a reported sexual assault aboard a district school bus returning from a basketball game in Hebbronville, Superintendent Yolanda Carr told 3NEWS Wednesday.

Carr said the personnel actions were taken as the district conducts its own internal investigation into the incident and that they want to remain as transparent as possible. 

San Patricio County Sheriff Oscar Rivera said the incident occurred Dec. 9 while students were riding an Odem-Edroy ISD bus back to Odem. Rivera said a juvenile student was assaulted during the trip.

Rivera said a warrant was issued for Christopher Jacob Soto, 19, an Odem-Edroy ISD student, after an investigation. Soto was arrested Sunday and charged with indecency with a child, a second-degree felony. A magistrate set Soto’s bond at $75,000. Soto was bonded out by his attorney Frank Gonzales, according to Rivera.

He said the case remains under review by the San Patricio County District Attorney’s Office and that additional arrests are expected as statements and evidence continue to be reviewed.

An Odem-Edroy ISD parent contacted 3NEWS and said that a notice was sent to parents via email and app notification on Dec. 12. 


She said the school board will address the matter in two upcoming meetings — a regularly scheduled meeting on Monday and a special meeting later next week to further discuss the situation.