LUBBOCK, TX — A former Lubbock High School teacher and coach, who also served as a youth pastor in west Texas, has been arrested and charged in connection with a growing number of child sexual assault cases. Jeremy Scott Maxfield, 41, was taken into custody last Wednesday. Initial charges included three counts of sexual assault of a child and one count of improper relationship between an educator and a student. Court and jail records show an additional charge was filed Thursday after a new victim came forward.
Teacher Sexual Abuse Allegations Spanning Years
Court documents indicate that the newest report involves a victim who said Maxfield assaulted her in 2006, when she was 15 and he was working as a youth pastor at a church in Amherst, about an hour from Lubbock. The victim told investigators that she was repeatedly abused by Maxfield over the course of months, with more than 20 encounters occurring before she turned 16.
Another victim told police she had been assaulted on Lubbock High School grounds in 2019 inside Maxfield’s classroom. According to records obtained by local outlets, she said the abuse took place three separate times in late 2019. Investigators found “numerous” explicit images of the student on Maxfield’s phone, alongside evidence of sexually explicit communications between the two.
District Response and Timeline
Police first began looking into Maxfield in April 2024, when allegations against him surfaced. The Lubbock Independent School District confirmed he was placed on administrative leave at that time, and the State Board for Educator Certification was notified. District officials said Maxfield resigned from his position in June 2024.
“The safety of our students is our highest priority, and we are cooperating with all relevant authorities,” the district said in a statement.
Community Reaction to Teacher’s Arrest
Maxfield’s arrest has drawn widespread attention in the local community. A post of his mugshot on the “Lubbock County Mugshots” Facebook page has garnered hundreds of comments. While many expressed outrage, others stated they were not surprised by the allegations. Some former students claimed Maxfield had long raised suspicions during his time at the school.
Police Search for More Victims
On Monday, the Lubbock Police Department issued a public appeal urging any additional victims to contact investigators. Officials said resources are being made available through Voice of Hope and Lubbock County Victims Services for anyone impacted.
“Based off the scope of the investigation and public response, investigators are encouraging additional victims and witnesses to come forward with any information they may have,” the department said.
Indictment and Possible Penalties Against Accused Teacher
Court records confirm that a Lubbock County grand jury has returned an indictment against Maxfield. The charges, classified as second-degree felonies in Texas, carry potential prison sentences ranging from two to 20 years. Maxfield remains in the Lubbock County Detention Center on a $200,000 bond.
Texas Attorney Explains Legal Options for Victims of Abuse by Teacher
As allegations mount against former Lubbock teacher and youth pastor Jeremy Scott Maxfield, many survivors may be wondering what legal paths are available to them. To address these questions, Houston-based sexual abuse lawyer Anjali Nigam outlined how both criminal and civil actions can be taken against abusers and, in some cases, the institutions that placed them in positions of authority.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: When allegations involve both a school employee and a youth pastor, what legal avenues are open to victims?
Anjali Nigam, Esq.: Victims may pursue both criminal justice and civil remedies. The criminal case is handled by the state, as we’re seeing with the charges against Mr. Maxfield. But separately, victims may bring civil lawsuits against the individual and, in certain circumstances, the institutions that placed them in positions of authority. That could include a school district, church, or related organization, if negligence in supervision or reporting is established.
Banville: For survivors who were abused years ago, like one victim who reported incidents from 2006, do statutes of limitations prevent legal action?
Nigam: Texas has laws that extend timelines for survivors of childhood sexual assault. Civil claims can often be filed until a survivor reaches age 48. On the criminal side, there’s no statute of limitations for certain sexual assault offenses involving minors. So even when the abuse took place more than a decade ago, cases can still move forward, depending on the evidence.
Banville: What would you advise survivors who may be hesitant to come forward now, especially given the public attention this case has generated?
Nigam: It’s important to know that they have options and support. Law enforcement offers victim assistance resources, and civil attorneys can guide survivors through the process confidentially. Coming forward can also help protect others by holding offenders and institutions accountable.
Free Legal Support for Survivors and Families
For those who have experienced abuse at the hands of a trusted figure, the decision to speak out can feel overwhelming. Survivors and their families don’t have to face that process alone. Our team is here to listen, guide, and stand alongside you. Contact us today for a free and confidential consultation to understand your options and take the first step toward accountability and healing.
Source
https://julieroys.com/former-texas-teacher-maxfield-youth-pastor-charged-assaulting-child/
Mr. Banville is a personal injury attorney who has experience in handling auto accidents, work injuries, medical malpractice, dog bites, slip and falls, and representing survivors and victims of sexual abuse. Mr. Banville is affiliated with law firms in Pennsylvania, New York, New Jersey, Delaware, D.C., and Maryland. Abuse Guardian
