Former IDEA schools assistant principal faces felony charges related to student relationship

AUSTIN (KXAN) — A former IDEA Public Schools assistant principal was arrested Monday and charged following allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a former student.

According to court records, 29-year-old Shonterrich Jeremaine Johnson was charged with improper relationship between educator/student and online solicitation of a minor—both felonies.

KXAN has reached out to Johnson’s attorney. This article will be updated if a statement is provided.

IDEA Public Schools said it was aware of the arrest and that the staff member was no longer employed with IDEA.

"We are working in collaboration with law enforcement and taking appropriate actions in accordance with the law and network policy," IDEA said.

According to Johnson’s arrest warrant affidavit, on Sept. 11, Austin police officers responded to IDEA Public Charter School at 1438 Yager Lane after current students reported “something that was bothering them” to staff.

The affidavit said the students showed the staff member a video of text messages sent between a former student and Johnson that were sexual in nature, so the school's head principal called 911.

According to court documents, police collected screenshots of the text messages sent between the former student and Johnson.

“The screenshots display[ed] the graphic sexual conversation as well as the discussion about meeting up for sex,” the affidavit said. “One of the screenshots even mentions that Johnson has already paid [the former student] money and will give him more once they meet up.”

IDEA Public Schools provided the following response to KXAN’s inquiry regarding Johnson.

“IDEA is committed to prioritizing the safety and well-being of staff and students. Since this is an ongoing investigation, we cannot comment further on this case. All questions regarding this investigation should be directed to the Austin Police Department.”

Travis County jail records showed Johnson was released from custody Thursday after meeting a $40,000 bond.