Plano Isd

Plano ISD investigates child molestation case against teacher.

Michael Adam Zellner, 57, of Dallas was arrested Monday after being accused of the having an improper relationship with a student and of indecency with a child. Plano Independent School District (Plano ISD) officials stated he had been placed on administrative leave with pay, reports the Dallas News.

The probable-cause affidavit stated that Zellner had sent several e-mails and text messages to a former student that contained the phrase “I love you.” Zellner agreed to stop communication with her after being discovered by his wife.

On Dec. 22, however, Zellner’s wife received a text message intended for the girl discussing the upcoming Christmas holiday and with the words “I love you.” She then alerted Plano ISD officials.

The 16-year-old told police that her relationship with Zellner began with mere infatuation, which then progressed to more intimate encounters. What started as a meeting in the library on the weekends quickly evolved into holding hands and kissing by October. By December they began engaging in a sexual relationship. They would sometimes meet in a local park and at least one incident took place in Zellner’s Volkswagen Jetta.

According to police, the girl stated that she was in love with Zellner and considers him her best friend. Plano ISD’s investigation is ongoing.

Zellner worked for the district for 6 years as an English teacher at Shepton High School. His bail was set at $35,000, reports the Dallas News.

If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in jail.