The Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District says an elementary school principal charged with federal enticement of a minor has resigned.
Oscar Figueroa, 46, the former principal of Viridian Elementary School, was placed on paid administrative leave July 7, his resignation is effective July 9 according to the school district.
Meanwhile, the Figueroa's attorney wants his client released on bond.
Attorney Bruce Anton spoke to the media Monday saying his client still has the presumption of innocence and should be allowed bail.
Police took Figueroa into custody at Stonebriar Centre Mall in Frisco July 7. Officers said he was communicating with detectives he thought were children.
Figueroa posted $10,000 bond in Collin County and was released only to be picked up later by federal investigators who also charged him in the alleged crime.
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"There are many charges in which you can have jurisdiction both state and federally. He was originally charged in a state indictment, apparently the government felt this was worthy of federal prosecution."
Anton said he does not anticipate any other charges being filed against his client.
On Wednesday, a grand jury will meet in Tyler where prosecutors aim to have Figueroa indicted on the federal charge. On Thursday, a detention hearing will be held in Plano where Anton said they'll learn why the government felt he should be charged federally.
Anton said he received copies of the federal charge Monday but when speaking with the media Monday said he had not yet had time to go over the documents. He added that he has already received about 40 letters of support from Figueroa's friends and family members that he will present to the court on Thursday on his client's behalf.
If found guilty of the federal charge, Figueroa faces a mandatory minimum sentence of 10 years in prison with the possibility of life behind bars.
Viridian Elementary School opened in the Viridian master-planned community in North Arlington last January. Before that, Figueroa was the principal at Hurst Hills Elementary School for two years and also worked for the Richardson and Little Elm school districts.
H-E-B ISD released the following statement Monday:
The Hurst-Euless-Bedford ISD has obtained the resignation of Oscar Figueroa, former principal of Viridian Elementary School, effective July 9. Figueroa was placed on administrative leave July 7, 2015 as outlined in Policy DFBA Local.
By being placed on leave, all access to school district property, technology, employees, parents, or students was immediately restricted. Figueroa, as an educator, was on an employment contract as mandated by the state. While working toward the termination of a contract, it is protocol to place the employee on leave.
The District has completed the required report to the State Board for Educator Certification, will continue working with the authorities, and will continue its internal investigation.
The District has appointed Dr. Aungelique Brading to the position of principal of Viridian Elementary School. Dr. Brading has been the principal of Stonegate Elementary School the past four years and has been with HEB ISD since 2002.
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