Former San Antonio Independent School District (SAISD) middle school teacher, Lloyd Pegues, 50, has been indicted by a Bexar County grand jury on two counts of Online Solicitation of a Minor Under the Age of 14. This charge is normally a second-degree felony, carrying a punishment of 2-20 years confinement in the Texas Department of Corrections and a fine of up to $10,000.
The indictment, however, includes an enhancement paragraph stating that the defendant was employed at a public secondary school during the commission of the offense and knew the victim was enrolled in a public secondary school. If proven true, this allegation increases the punishment range to 5-99 years or life in prison.
Pegues, who previously worked as a teacher at SAISD's Rhodes Middle School, came under investigation in June 2022 after the victim's parents reported concerning messages found on their child's phone. Over the following months, additional evidence was collected, leading to Pegues' arrest and charges.
The grand jury's indictment signifies probable cause to believe that Pegues committed these crimes. However, it is crucial to note that an indictment is not evidence of guilt, and the defendant is entitled to a presumption of innocence.
Bexar County Criminal District Attorney Joe Gonzales emphasized the gravity of the situation, stating, "We entrust teachers with the education of our children. This allegation, if proven true, is a betrayal of that trust." He further assured that the safety of children is a top priority for the office, and they will vigorously prosecute the case.
