Houston, TX - An Aldine ISD teacher has been released on bond after being arrested on charges of child sexual assault, according to court records. Authorities say 39-year-old Derrick Banks, an agriculture teacher at Eisenhower High School, faces two counts of aggravated sexual assault of a child under 14 — a first-degree felony.
Court documents reveal the warrants for Banks’ arrest were issued in October 2023, but police did not take him into custody until late October 2025, nearly two years after the warrants were filed.
Allegations Detailed in Court Records
According to investigators, the case began in 2021 when Banks allegedly met a 13-year-old boy through a mobile app. The complaint claims Banks arranged to meet the teen at a hotel but instead drove him to a rural area in Sugar Land, blindfolded him, and took him to his home.
At the time of the alleged abuse, Banks was employed by Prairie View A&M University.
District Response
Aldine ISD confirmed Banks’ employment after his arrest, stating that he was hired in August 2023 as an agriculture teacher at Eisenhower High School. The district said he passed all required hiring procedures, including a criminal background check, and that it had not been notified by the Harris County District Attorney’s Office or the Houston Police Department about any outstanding warrants.
The district has since placed Banks on administrative leave and has not responded to questions about whether yearly background checks are conducted.
Questions Over Delayed Arrest
Retired Houston Police Captain Greg Fremin told ABC13 he finds the two-year delay in executing the warrant concerning.
"I have serious concerns about that, and I would have to ask questions as to why that warrant stood idle for two years," Fremin said.
He added that such delays are highly unusual, particularly when educators are involved, and urged transparency about how the case was handled.
Teaching Certificate Revoked
Records from the Texas Education Agency show that Banks’ educator certificate was revoked in 2016. Aldine ISD has not yet explained how he was hired despite the revocation.
Navigating Legal Options: A Conversation with Lawyer Anjali Nigam
In the aftermath of alarming cases involving educators and sexual abuse, understanding the legal rights and options available to victims is vital. Experienced Texas sexual abuse lawyer Anjali Nigam explores the pathways for accountability and support for those affected. Their discussion highlights the complexities of civil lawsuits, the role of school districts, and the importance of timely action in seeking justice.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: When a teacher faces allegations this serious, what steps can victims or their families take beyond the criminal process?
Anjali Nigam, Esq.: Criminal cases lead to prosecution and possible prison time for the offender, but victims also have the right to pursue civil action. A civil lawsuit can help them seek financial compensation for emotional trauma, counseling costs, and other long-term effects. It also holds not just the abuser but sometimes the employing institution accountable if it failed to screen or supervise properly.
Banville: Are schools ever legally responsible in these cases?
Nigam: They can be. If evidence shows the school ignored warning signs, skipped proper background checks, or failed to report concerns, the district could face liability. Each case depends on the facts, but survivors often benefit from having an attorney review how the hiring and supervision process was handled.
Take Action: Your Voice Matters
If you or someone you know has been affected by abuse, remember that you are not alone. Legal options are available to help you seek the support and accountability you deserve. We encourage victims and their families to reach out for a free consultation. Contact us today and let your voice be heard—together, we can work toward a path of healing and justice.
