Henderson ISD teacher accused of having inappropriate relationship with student

Published 2:45 pm Wednesday, December 11, 2024

HENDERSON — A Henderson woman was arrested Wednesday on charges of possession of child pornography following an investigation by Henderson Police Department.

Kathryn Laraine Prior, Henderson ISD’s vocational agriculture education teacher, was arrested and booked into the Rusk County Jail Complex after a report of her allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a student triggered an investigation by HPD.

Prior was also charged with second degree felonies improper relationship between educator and student and indecency with a child.

According arrest affidavits, police believe Prior knowingly and willingly engaged in sexual contact with an unnamed student on Dec. 9.

During a forensic interview, conducted at the Children’s Advocacy Center, the student detailed an incident involving Prior in which she “rubbed” his legs and then his penis, outside of his clothes, while she was driving him home. He also stated that emails were exchanged in which the pair would discuss breasts, being aroused, and day-to-day activities. The communication between the two occurred outside school hours and were not related to school activities, according to the affidavit.

Henderson police learned the victim’s mother searched the victim’s Instagram account and discovered a sexually explicit message thread between the pair.

“HISD immediately placed the teacher on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of this matter,” HISD officials stated in a recent press release. The district stated that they are fully cooperating with local law enforcement and remains committed to the safety and security of our students.

Prior went before Pct. 5 Judge Jana Enloe Thursday morning, where she received bonds totaling $150,000 with an emergency protective order.

She remains in custody at this time.