Staff Reports
ARP, Texas (AP) — An assistant principal at Arp Elementary School and her adult son were arrested Tuesday, according to the Arp Police Department.
Karla Florence, assistant principal at Arp ISD Elementary, was charged with failure to report, a Class A misdemeanor, and false report to a peace officer, a Class B misdemeanor. Police said the charges stem from her alleged failure to provide accurate information to investigators and her legal duty under Texas law to report knowledge of a felony offense while serving as an educator.
Her son, Blake Florence, was arrested on charges of sexual assault of a child, a second-degree felony, and tampering with physical evidence, a third-degree felony.
Both were taken into custody without incident and booked into the Smith County Jail, police said. Officials noted that additional charges may be filed as the investigation continues.
In a statement, Arp Independent School District said none of the circumstances surrounding the arrest involved any Arp ISD students or staff, and the alleged incidents did not occur on school grounds. The district said it is taking steps to ensure student and staff safety remains its top priority.
Police said no further information will be released at this time due to the sensitive nature of the allegations.
