Center ISD Athletic Trainer Arrested, Accused of Improper Relationship With Student

Center ISD athletic trainer Christopher Lemoine resigns following inappropriate student relationship arrest. Booking Photo

CENTER, Texas — A Center Independent School District athletic trainer has resigned and been arrested following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a student.

Christopher Lemoine, 40, was taken into custody on November 5 and charged with Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student, a second-degree felony punishable by 2 to 20 years in prison if convicted. The charge applies to sexual contact or sexually explicit communication with a student — regardless of the student’s age.

According to a press release issued Wednesday by the Center Police Department, investigators were notified of a report involving a Center ISD employee, identified as Lemoine, who was employed as an athletic trainer.

“Upon receiving the report, the Center Police Department immediately initiated an investigation in coordination with Shelby County District Attorney Karren Price,” wrote Lt. Andrew Williams, the department’s public information officer. “During the investigation, probable cause was established to arrest Christopher Lemoine on one count of Inappropriate Relationship Between Educator and Student.”

The department stated the case remains active and ongoing. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Center Police Department at (936) 598-2788.

Center ISD Superintendent Jake Henson confirmed that the school district is cooperating fully with law enforcement and prosecutors. He also said the district has reported Lemoine to the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services, the Texas Education Agency, and the State Board of Educator Certification.

“Center ISD takes these matters seriously and remains committed to the safety and well-being of our students and school community,” Henson stated.

Lemoine was booked into the Shelby County Jail and later released on a $250,000 bond.

State records show that Lemoine has held a Texas teaching certificate since 2015. That certification is now listed as “under review.”

East Texas Banner will provide updates as they become available.

All individuals are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.