HOUSTON — A teacher at Memorial High School in west Houston has been charged with having an improper relationship with a student, court records show.
Spring Branch ISD officials said Stephen Griffin was placed on administrative leave last week when they learned about the allegations.
According to court records, the 18-year-old student said she began a relationship with Griffin, her science teacher, in September 2022 and they exchanged emails and texts. He told her he was going through a divorce and living in a hotel.
The girl said the relationship turned sexual when she went to his hotel room over Thanksgiving break in 2022. She told SBISD police that the hotel became a regular meeting place for sex and they also had oral sex inside his classroom.
When he later moved to an apartment, the sex continued there. The girl said Griffin would get angry if she wasn't in the mood, according to court records.
At some point, the teen said he began giving her test answers and then gave her all 100s on her classwork.
She told police that the relationship continued until the summer but he texted her on Oct. 4 and said he and his wife were trying to reconcile and to not contact him again.
Police found Snapchat messages from Griffin to the girl, including the following.
"We need to talk. I miss you."
"Can we talk? I'm suicidal right now."
"Call me, OK babe?"
"This is how it's going to be? Don't do this, call me."
"Can we talk in person?"
"Want money?"
"I'm about to kill myself."
"Please call me."
Court records don't indicate when the messages were sent.
Griffin has been employed at the school since 2019, according to the district.
Letter sent to MHS parents
"Dear MHS students and families,
A Memorial High School employee has been arrested for an alleged improper relationship with a student. When the allegations came to our attention, we immediately removed the individual from the classroom and placed them on administrative leave. The alleged incidents reportedly occurred during the 2022-23 school year.
Along with Superintendent Blaine and our SBISD Board of Trustees, as the principal of Memorial High School, I am outraged by this alleged conduct. The safety of every student is our very highest priority, and having a strong moral compass is a key SBISD core value. We will never tolerate inappropriate actions on the part of any Memorial High School employee who endangers or harms our students.
These allegations, if true, are a complete breach of the trust we place in our educators. If proven true, we urge the justice system to take the strongest possible action against this individual.
We once again remind our families, students and staff to use the Anonymous Reporting link on our campus website, and to follow the district’s See Something. Say Something protocol to report any issues of concern regarding the safety and well-being of students and staff.
We thank the individuals who brought forward concerns that led to this investigation.
Sincerely,
Lisa Weir
Principal"