DICKINSON, Texas – Dickinson ISD says a district employee assigned to the Galveston County Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP) has been arrested in connection to allegations involving a student.
The Galveston County Sheriff’s Office later confirmed 46-year-old Kristi Hanks was arrested and charged after allegations she had an improper relationship with a 16-year-old student.
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The sheriff’s office said Hanks had worked at the JJAEP over the summer.
“The investigation ultimately led to the collection of material evidence, interviews of multiple individuals, and admissions made by Hanks. The findings indicated that Hanks maintained frequent contact with the student outside of an academic setting and engaged in an improper relationship,” the sheriff’s office said.
She was taken into custody on Wednesday, according to the sheriff’s office. She was booked into the Galveston County Jail and is being held on a $100,000 bond.
Dickinson ISD released a statement saying the employee had already been placed on administrative leave as the investigation was pending.
“The District took this action immediately after receiving information regarding the allegations and before learning that an arrest had been made,” the statement reads in part.
The district said the matter has been referred to the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office. They say they will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement and all appropriate authorities through the investigative process.
“The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. Dickinson ISD takes allegations involving student safety and employee conduct extremely seriously. When concerns involving the safety of a student are brought to our attention, the District acts promptly and takes appropriate measures while law enforcement conducts its investigation,” the district said.
Full statement below:
“On the morning of August 19, 2026, Dickinson ISD was notified that an employee assigned to the Galveston County Juvenile Justice Alternative Education Program (JJAEP) had been arrested in connection with allegations involving a student.
Prior to being notified of the arrest, Dickinson ISD had already placed the employee on administrative leave while the investigation was pending. The District took this action immediately after receiving information regarding the allegations and before learning that an arrest had been made.
The matter has been referred to the Galveston County District Attorney’s Office.
The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. Dickinson ISD takes allegations involving student safety and employee conduct extremely seriously. When concerns involving the safety of a student are brought to our attention, the District acts promptly and takes appropriate measures while law enforcement conducts its investigation.
Dickinson ISD will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement and all appropriate authorities throughout the investigative process. Because this is an active matter involving a student and personnel, the District will respect the confidentiality and integrity of the investigation while continuing to take all appropriate steps to protect and support our students."