Thu Feb 13 06:54:17 UTC 2025: ## Texas Teacher Surrenders After Year-Long Manhunt for Improper Relationship with Student
**Mont Belvieu, TX** – Molly Colleen Spears, a former arts and language teacher at Barbers Hill High School, turned herself in on Tuesday after a year-long search stemming from an indictment for an improper relationship with a student. The 35-year-old was indicted by a Chambers County grand jury on February 8, 2024, and a warrant for her arrest was issued on February 12, 2024.
The alleged incident occurred on June 12, 2023, and involved contact initiated by Spears through text messages and a commercial online service, according to court records. The age of the student has not been released. Spears resigned from Barbers Hill ISD earlier this month, having worked there from August 2021 to June 2023. Prior to that, she taught in Texas City and Coldspring ISDs.
Spears’ attorney, Christopher L. Tritico, expressed surprise at the delay in the case’s progression, stating his client is eager to challenge the allegations. He confirmed Spears was only notified of the charges two days before her surrender.
If convicted, Spears faces up to 20 years in prison. The case highlights the growing concern over teacher-student sexual misconduct in the United States, with reports indicating a significant number of incidents in recent years. Factors contributing to this issue include improved reporting, social media’s role in facilitating inappropriate contact, and potential shortcomings in screening and training practices for educators.
First Piper 