Texas High School Teacher Michael Ralph Fouse Arrested on Online Solicitation Charge

BELIEVE IT OR NOT, POLICE SAY A TEXAS HIGH SCHOOL TEACHER SOLICITED A MINOR ONLINE… AND HE WAS TAKEN INTO CUSTODY ON A THIRD-DEGREE FELONY CHARGE.

A Texas high school educator is facing a felony charge following an investigation by local law enforcement.

The Richardson Police Department announced the development in an official news release.

Authorities identified the suspect as 41-year-old Michael Ralph Fouse.

Fouse was arrested and charged with online solicitation of a minor.

Under Texas law, the offense brought against him is classified as a third-degree felony.

On Friday, August 28, law enforcement officers executed a search warrant at his home.

Police then took Fouse into custody at the residence without incident.

But the inquiry into the educator had begun more than a week prior to his arrest.

On August 20, investigators formally initiated a case concerning Fouse.

That action came after authorities received a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children.

Richardson detectives soon began coordinating their inquiries with school administrators.

“Detectives are working closely with Richardson ISD to gather additional information and further their investigation,” the police department said in the news release.

Yet despite confirming the arrest, the department chose not to disclose further specifics regarding the allegations.

Following his arrest, it is not currently clear whether Fouse has retained legal counsel.

It also remains unclear whether he has entered an official plea to the felony count.

The arrest prompted immediate administrative action from his employer.

Shortly after he was taken into custody, the Richardson Independent School District announced that Fouse had been immediately placed on administrative leave.

District officials addressed the arrest in a written statement obtained by CBS News.

“The district will continue to cooperate fully with the Richardson Police Department as it conducts its criminal investigation,” the district said in a statement obtained by CBS News.

“RISD will take all appropriate and necessary action based on the findings of these investigations.”

School district representatives explained that they were constrained from providing extensive commentary regarding the circumstances.

That restriction was attributed directly to the active criminal inquiry and internal employment guidelines.

“Because this is an ongoing criminal investigation and a personnel matter, we are limited in the information we can share at this time,” the statement continued.

“Our commitment remains clear: We will take every appropriate step to protect the safety and well-being of our students.”

And local authorities are still gathering facts connected to the matter.

The investigation into the case remains ongoing.

Police have asked that anyone with information about the case contact Richardson police at (972) 744-4893.

According to the Collin County Law Group, solicitation of a minor involves using electronic communication to request or solicit a minor to engage in sexual contact or intercourse.

The offense often includes defendants sending sexually explicit material to victims in an attempt to arouse or gratify sexual desire, according to the law group.

Under Texas law, individuals found guilty of online solicitation of a minor face a wide range of potential prison sentences based on the severity of the crime.

Those convicted of the charge can be sentenced to serve anywhere between two to 20 years behind bars.

Tools and informational resources for parents, teachers and guardians seeking guidance on protecting children from exploitation are made available through Know2Protect.

The charges are allegations and have not been proven in court.