HOUSTON – A driving instructor has been arrested after his 17-year-old student reported he sexually assaulted her during their driving lesson, authorities said Thursday.
The suspect, Ronald Avery Eglin, 61, is charged with sexual assault in the 337th State District Court.
Eglin stood before a judge Thursday.
See video of Eglin’s Thursday court appearance below:
Eglin owns and operates a driver’s education business located in the 12000 block of Almeda Road.
The female victim told investigators Eglin sexually assaulted her during and after her driving lesson on Oct. 2.
After consulting with the Harris County District Attorney’s Office, Eglin was subsequently charged. He was arrested Oct. 27.
“My sister used this place here and my daughter as well and we were just both shocked,” said Willie Duckworth.
Duckworth said his teen daughter and sister never noticed anything suspicious about Eglin’s behavior when they were student drivers.
“She said she’s never had any issues. I think she was in the car with him a couple times, never felt that she was being violated,” said Duckworth.
The experience was different for a 17-year-old girl during her first driving lesson with Eglin on Oct. 2. Records show Eglin sexually assaulted her and forced himself on her. The teen told detectives Eglin showed her sex videos and pictures of him with multiple other girls.
Detective Curtis King spoke about Eglin’s arrest during a news conference on Thursday.
“He is utilizing his role as a driving school instructor to make contacts with his victims. It is very disturbing and difficult to kind of imagine doing this and taking advantage of unsuspecting teens,” said King.
Detectives said Eglin has owned the driving school since the 2010′s. Investigators believe he has been sexually assaulting student drivers for several years. Detectives said his victims range between 15 to 19 years old.
The former Madison High School teacher is now banned from HISD. The district sent KPRC 2 a statement:
“Effective immediately, the district has issued a ban against Ronald Eglin of Texas School of Driving. This absolute ban prohibits Mr. Eglin from entering HISD facilities, campuses, and buildings; it is necessary because the district has received reports of safety concerns about Mr. Eglin’s interaction with HISD students. In addition to not being able to enter any HISD building, Mr. Eglin will also be prohibited from picking up or dropping off HISD students. The safety of our students is our top priority, and the district believes this step is necessary to ensure that our schools remain a safe learning environment. Again, this has been an important message from HISD.”
In the charging document, the teen told police about a comment Eglin made, claiming he feels a certain type of way when he drinks. Detectives are looking into if he was ever under the influence during the driving lessons.
Investigators encourage anyone who may be a victim to come forward. You can remain anonymous. Eglin is being held in Harris County jail on a $75,000 bond.
Anyone else who might have been victimized by Eglin is urged to contact the HPD Special Victims Division at 713-308-1180.