Former Slaton ISD teacher Dustin Ray Leonard, 28, of Lubbock admitted to having a sexual relationship with a student. Leonard pleaded guilty Monday in federal court to one count of enticement of a minor.
Court records said in July of 2016, Leonard was hired by Slaton High School as a teacher and a coach. One of his students was a 17-year-old in 11th grade. She was referred to as “Jane Doe” in the court records.
Under Texas law, a student-teacher sexual relationship is illegal even if the high school student is not a minor.
On April 12, 2018, the school principal heard rumors of an “improper relationship” between Leonard and Jane Doe. The principal and the Slaton ISD’s police chief confronted Leonard and, “Leonard denied the allegations.”
The principal learned that Leonard had been sharing details of his personal life and his marriage with a student. The principal confronted him a second time on April 13. He resigned effective on May 18, 2018, according to court records.
But then, on May 18, someone who was not mentioned by name accessed Leonard’s Snapchat account and discovered messages that indicated an ongoing sexual relationship. Those messages were brought to the attention of Slaton Police. Leonard was arrested on May 22.
Both Leonard and Jane Doe admitted to the sexual relationship which began in January, according to court records.
“Doe stated that she truly cares for and loves Leonard,” court records said. “Leonard advised he intended to divorce his wife and continue the relationship with Doe.”
Because Leonard used the Internet, federal charges could be filed. State charges were also filed and are still pending.
Assuming a federal judge or magistrate approves the plea deal, Leonard will be sentenced at a later date to no more than 10 years in federal prison.
