Former Hood Junior High Coach Arrested on Felony Child Sexual Abuse Charge
Dustin Ray Leonard, a former football coach at Hood Junior High School, is in custody after being arrested on a charge of continuous sexual abuse of a young child or disabled person, classified as a first-degree felony. Leonard, 35, is currently held in the Ector County Jail with bond set at $200,000. The Ector County Sheriff’s Office made the arrest following an investigation led by the Texas Department of Public Safety.
Details Emerge Revealing Ongoing Grooming and Sexual Abuse
According to an affidavit filed by Special Agent Juan Ramos of the Texas Department of Public Safety’s Criminal Investigations Division, the alleged abuse took place between November 2014 and May 2015 in Ector County. The document states that Leonard “intentionally and knowingly committed the offenses of continuous sexual abuse of a young child or disabled person” during his tenure as a coach at Hood Junior High, now known as Wilson & Young Middle School.
Victim Comes Forward Detailing Abuse by Trusted Coach
On April 9, 2025, DPS Special Agents responded to a request for service at the Texas Highway Patrol office in New Braunfels. The reporting party, identified as “Victim 1,” described incidents that occurred while attending Hood Junior High at approximately 13 years old. Victim 1 reported a relationship with Leonard that began as a student-coach friendship and escalated to inappropriate and sexual contact.
Victim 1 recounted that Leonard’s behavior shifted from flirtatious conversations to physical contact, including touching and kissing. The affidavit details that these encounters took place in various locations on school grounds, such as Leonard’s office, the gym, supply closets, and the library, both during and after school hours. Victim 1 recalled that Leonard would often justify or minimize the contact, and that the relationship intensified after Leonard learned about Victim 1’s family situation.
Allegations of Repeated Abuse
Victim 1 described a pattern of escalating physical contact, including Leonard grabbing Victim 1’s buttocks, hips, and vaginal area over clothing, and pressing his erect penis against Victim 1 during encounters. These incidents reportedly occurred about twice a week over a 12-week period, with Victim 1 estimating around 25 separate occurrences. The affidavit also states that Leonard solicited nude photographs from Victim 1 and discussed marital issues, telling Victim 1 that his wife, who was pregnant at the time, “didn’t have to know.”
Witnesses and School District Report
The affidavit references an incident in which another student, identified as Witness 1, discovered Leonard and Victim 1 together in a supply closet. This was reported to Ector County ISD police. Although Victim 1 initially denied any inappropriate contact, later statements to investigators revealed an effort to protect Leonard due to feelings of attachment and fear of consequences for him.
Further Investigation
Communications between Leonard and Victim 1 reportedly included solicitations for sex via Facebook Messenger. Victim 1 stated that sexual intercourse occurred in Leonard’s car after being picked up from a park near Barbara Jordan Elementary School.
The affidavit notes that Leonard later left the Ector County school district for another district in Texas, where similar allegations have surfaced. In 2018, Leonard was accused of having an improper relationship with a student after having worked at Slaton High School for two years.
Legal Options for Families Affected by Coach Sexual Abuse
When a trusted authority figure like a football coach betrays their position and harms a child, families often struggle with how to move forward. The arrest of former Hood Junior High coach Dustin Ray Leonard on charges of continuous sexual abuse of a child brings this painful reality to the forefront for many in the Ector County community. For parents and guardians trying to navigate the aftermath of such trauma, understanding the legal system becomes a necessary step in protecting their children and holding responsible parties accountable. We spoke with Anjali Nigam, a Texas attorney who specializes in sexual abuse cases, about what families should know when confronting these difficult situations. Her experience working with survivors offers valuable direction for those facing similar circumstances, including both immediate steps and long-term considerations for healing and justice.
Laurence Banville: Anjali, what steps can a survivor take if they experienced sexual abuse from a school coach?
Anjali Nigam, Esq.: Survivors in Texas have both criminal and civil options. While law enforcement handles the criminal investigation, survivors can also file a civil lawsuit against the perpetrator and potentially the school district or other entities that may have enabled or failed to prevent the abuse. Civil cases can provide compensation for emotional trauma, medical expenses, and other damages.
Banville: What should someone do first if they’re considering legal action?
Nigam: It’s important to gather any available evidence—messages, witness statements, or medical records—and consult with an attorney experienced in these cases. Even if criminal charges are not filed or don’t result in a conviction, the burden of proof is lower in civil cases, so survivors still have a path to seek accountability and financial recovery.
Banville: Can these lawsuits hold organizations accountable, too?
Nigam: Absolutely. If the school or district knew about the abuse or failed to act on warning signs, they could be held liable. Civil litigation can target not only the individual but also institutions that allowed the abuse to occur.
Banville: What about the statute of limitations?
Nigam: Texas law has extended the statute of limitations for child sexual abuse cases, giving survivors more time to come forward. However, it’s always best to act as soon as possible to preserve evidence and strengthen the case.
Your Voice Matters: Contact Us Today
If you or someone you know has been affected by sexual abuse or grooming by a coach or authority figure, you are not alone. Our team is available to provide guidance, support, and a free, confidential consultation to discuss your legal options. Contact us today to explore how we can help you take the first step toward healing and accountability.
Source
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
