HOUSTON – A teacher at The Rice School is accused of inappropriately touching a student two years ago, according to court documents.
Jude Obinyan, 59, is charged with improper relationship with a student and indecency with a child.
According to the documents, the 9-year-old student at the K-8 school claimed that Obinyan rubbed her buttocks and leg in an inappropriate manner on April 21, 2017. The mother of the student said she reported the allegations to the school, but she was not taken seriously, according to the documents.
Investigators said the 2017 report was uncovered while they were looking into allegations made last year by a former student, now an adult, who said Obinyan abused her when she was a fourth-grade student at the school.
Police said Obinyan denied the accusations during an interview with investigators, saying "maybe a student is vindictive when not rewarded."
Parents reacted in shock when they learned of his arrest.
"If you touch a child or do anything to a child, you should throw the book at him, no mercy," said Kelvin Harrell.
Other parents said this was their worst nightmare and they hoped their children would feel comfortable to come to them right away.
"I always tell her and my oldest daughter if anything happens make sure you tell no matter what because that's not OK in no shape, form or fashion," said Octavia McKiever.
Obinyan told investigators he has taught at The Rice School since 1998.
Obinyan posted bond Wednesday and is due in court on Thursday.