Former dual enrollment instructor arrested, accused of child sex crimes, Pearland PD confirms

PEARLAND, Texas (KTRK) -- A now-former Alvin Community College dual enrollment instructor is in jail, tied to child sex crimes allegations, according to police.

Pearland ISD confirms that the instructor was contracted to work at two of its high schools.

Parents are calling the child sex crime allegations against a dual enrollment instructor troubling. A mother of a student at Turner College and Career High School told ABC13 the allegations worry her because her child was in now former instructor Erik Neel's class last year.

Pearland ISD reiterates that the charges made against Neel do not involve any Pearland ISD students.

Pearland Police Department says Erik Neel was arrested as part of an ongoing investigation, and is facing three charges, including online solicitation of a minor and two counts of possession of computer-generated child pornography and sexual conduct.

Pearland ISD confirms Neel was a contract worker at two area high schools: Turner College and Career High School and Dawson High School through Alvin Community College. Neel was not a school district employee.

The district sent ABC13 this statement, which reads, in part, when ABC13 asked for comment on the ongoing investigation and allegations:

"Pearland ISD is aware that an Alvin College employee contracted with the district was taken into custody for online solicitation of a minor. The charges do not involve any Pearland ISD students. The District is fully cooperating with Pearland PD's investigation. In addition, we have reported these allegations to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services and the State Board for Educator Certification. Please be assured that the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our top priority. Details regarding length of employment would have to be verified by AC as he is technically not an employee of the district."

Alvin Community College says Neel is no longer at the college, and the safety of students is their highest priority.

Investigators say Neel thought he was talking to someone under the age of 15. He's being held at the Brazoria County Jail on a $450,000 bond.

For updates on this story, follow Daniela Hurtado on Facebook, X and Instagram.