A Houston science teacher is facing felony charges for allegedly engaging in an improper relationship with an 18-year-old student. Stephen Griffin, 46, a teacher at Spring Branch Independent School District, has been accused of giving test answers and perfect grades to the student during their months-long sexual relationship. The criminal complaint was filed in Harris County District Court last month.
Griffin, who was arrested on December 7, has been released on $5,000 bond. His attorney, Justin Harris, denies the charges, stating that there is no evidence to support them. Harris claims that Griffin has been a model teacher throughout his career and that these allegations have blindsided everyone. The defense team is exploring trails that might explain the origins of these allegations.
According to the complaint, the student reported that she would meet Griffin at a hotel and later at his apartment during the 2022 and 2023 school year. At the time, Griffin was working at Memorial High School and going through a divorce. Texas Penal Code 21.12 classifies an improper relationship between an educator and student as a second-degree felony, regardless of the student’s legal age. If convicted, Griffin could face up to 20 years in prison and $10,000 in fines.
The student’s mother brought the relationship to the attention of administrators on November 30, sharing incriminating text messages between her daughter and Griffin. A digital forensic investigator reviewed the student’s phone and confirmed the relationship.
The complaint reveals that Griffin and the student exchanged text messages for several months. They allegedly had sexual encounters at various locations, including a hotel, a restaurant, and Griffin’s classroom. Griffin also reportedly began giving the student test answers in advance and perfect scores on her assignments. He even gifted her his staff jacket and a candle that smelled like his cologne.
The relationship ended in midsummer 2023 when Griffin told the student to stop contacting him because he was attempting to reconcile with his wife.
The Spring Branch ISD Police Department is continuing its investigation, and Griffin’s next court date is scheduled for February 28. It remains unclear whether Griffin is still employed by Memorial High School.
