Alvin High School teacher charged with indecency with child

ALVIN, TX (KTRK) -- A teacher who also works as a scuba instructor has been charged with indecency with a child.

David Eugene Romano, 50, works as a teacher at Alvin High School and a reserve unpaid police officer for Hillcrest Village Police Department in Alvin. Additionally, he is a scuba instructor at Dave's scuba Adventure, also in Alvin, according to the Brazoria County Sheriff's Office.

Last Wednesday, Brazoria County Sheriff's deputies arrived to investigate the Alvin High School Culinary Arts teacher. School officials say Romano was immediately placed on administrative leave. He was arrested on Monday.

Romano has been charged with indecency with a child by contact, and is accused of engaging in sexual contact with the child under 14 on more than one occasion. According to Alvin ISD, the child involved does not attend Alvin High School and isn't under Romano's direction in any professional capacity. Romano has taught at Alvin HS for about 10 years. His students call him "chef."

Alvin ISD Superintendent, Dr. Buck Gilcrease said, "I'm deeply saddened and disgusted that someone entrusted to serve the children of our community would violate this trust. I personally, along with all resources available to Alvin ISD, will do everything possible to assist with the legal investigation. Alvin ISD is in contact with our attorney regarding the formal termination of this individual. Our board of trustees has called a special meeting specifically for this purpose."

Paul Lamp, the city attorney for the City of Hillcrest Village, said Romano "has served in an unpaid capacity ... performing patrol work, and the city has suspended the officer pending further investigation."

Romano is married with at least one child. His wife did not respond to a request for comment.

Parents and students who have concerns are asked to talk to administrators or counselors at their child's campus or call Alvin ISD administration at 281-388-1130. Anyone with information regarding the investigation, is asked to contact Alvin ISD Police Department at 281-331-2320 or the Brazoria County Sheriff's Department at 979-265-9310.

Romano's bond has been set at $100,000.