HOUSTON – A former KIPP Explore Academy staff member now faces a total of three charges of indecency with a child, and investigators believe there may be more victims, police announced Thursday.
Brandon McElveen was arrested in Victoria County on a second county of indecency with a child, according to a spokeswoman at the Victoria County Sheriff’s Office.
Houston police later said that McElveen, who worked as a counselor at the school since 2011, faces three counts of indecency with a child. Investigators said the nature of McElveen's job gave him access to several children.
"This is one of those sad events where we have to come together and inform the community about what's going on," said Joanne Music, the Sex Crimes Division Chief Hamilton County District Attorney's Office.
"He befriended not only the kid but also the family -- the parents, so he was able to use -- the term we use is grooming -- he groomed not only the kids but the parents and gained their trust so that he could have access," said Lt. John Colburn, with HPD's Child Sexual Assault Unit. "He was a school counselor, so he had the power to check kids out of class."
Investigators said he called students into his office. All alleged acts happened at school, according to investigators.
Parents who believe their children may have had inappropriate contact with McElveen was asked to call the Houston Police Department's special victims division at 713-830-3254.
VIDEO: HPD discuss new charges against Ex-KIPP Explore Academy staffer
McElveen was out of jail on bail after his Oct. 18 arrest by U.S. Marshals in Victoria County on a separate charge of indecency with a child, that stemmed from an investigation in Houston.
An Oct. 16 letter that was sent home to parents of students at the school said that McElveen was fired after the first allegations surfaced.
"He had access to many children. So we are asking your help -- the public's help -- if there are other avenues that we need to explore," Music said.
Officials are asking parents to talk with their children.
"Talk to them pay attention to them, listen to them," Music said.
It was not immediately clear when McElveen will be brought back to Houston.
