Itasca ISD Superintendent Michael Stevens arrested, charged with online solicitation of a minor
ITASCA (CBSNewsTexas.com) – The Itasca ISD superintendent is among a group of adults arrested for online solicitation of a minor.
Michael Stevens, 47, was arrested on June 1 at Itasca High School. He is the seventh person to be arrested in the solicitation sting.
Stevens, a former coach, principal and assistant principal in various districts around Texas, was communicating with an undercover officer via a social media app. He thought he was talking to a 15-year-old girl.
Harris County Constable Alan Rosen said Stevens sent photos of his private parts to the investigator and asked for nude images and videos in return.
Some of Stevens' photos appeared to be taken in his office, Rosen said.
Stevens was planning to go to Houston and engage in sex acts with the person he thought was a 15-year-old girl before he was arrested.
Stevens made his first court appearance on June 2. His lawyer asked for a $10,000 bond, but instead got a $100,000 bond.
He must also undergo random drug testing, is restricted in travel and must not have contact with anyone under the age of 17.
On social media, Itasca ISD said they were contacted by a detective with the Harris County Sheriff's Department, who said Stevens was taken into custody.
"You must make it a priority to know what your children are doing online," Rosen said. "As you can see by this sting operation, there are dangerous predators out there grooming our children and can cause great harm."
Itasca ISD said the board of trustees will be meeting to review the matter and take appropriate action.
