ROCKDALE, Texas — A former Rockdale ISD teacher has been indicted by a Milam County Grand Jury on charges of having an improper relationship with a student and possession of child pornography, according to the Milam County District Attorney's Office.
The DA's Office stated that Shawnee Nicole Despain, a 24-year-old former high school teacher, was indicted on Nov. 16 on one second-degree felony charge for Improper Relationship Between Educator/Student and one third-degree felony for Possession of Child Pornography.
The District Attorney's Office said the investigation of the matter continues, with potential additional charges.
According to the DA's Office, the student in question was 17 years old.
Rockdale ISD stated Despain resigned from the district in late September of 2023 amid the accusations and turned herself in to the Rockdale Police Department on Nov. 7.
"Our office places the highest priority on protecting our community, particularly our youth," said the Milam County District Attorney's Office in a statement. "Cases of alleged misconduct involving minors demand our upmost [sic] attention and diligent pursuit of justice. Our office will strongly prosecute cases involving any form of exploitation or misconduct. We encourage anyone with information relevant to this case or similar matters to reach out to our office or the Rockdale Police Department."
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