Richardson Independent School District has placed a high school teacher on administrative leave after he was arrested on felony charges related to online solicitation of a minor.
Michael Ralph Fouse, 41, was taken into custody by Richardson police on Friday, Aug. 28. Officers executed both an arrest warrant and a search warrant at his home. Authorities stated that the arrest proceeded without incident.
Fouse is employed as a teacher at Berkner High School. The school district confirmed it learned of the charges early in the day on Friday and immediately removed him from his duties pending further developments.
The investigation began on Aug. 20 when Richardson Detectives received a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Following that initial report, detectives pursued the case which led to the current felony charge of Online Solicitation of a Minor, classified as a third-degree felony.
Richardson ISD issued a statement regarding the situation, noting its commitment to working with law enforcement. The district said it will cooperate fully with the Richardson Police Department as the criminal investigation continues. Officials added that the district will take all appropriate and necessary actions based on the findings of these investigations.