PLANO, Texas — A 32-year-old North Texas man is facing a charge of grooming a child, police say.
Plano police say they received an allegation Jan. 8 against Jacob Allred, 32, who worked at Great Lakes Academy in the 6000 block of Custer Road in Plano at the time.
The allegations centered around Allred sending “inappropriate messages to a child student at the school in a sexual manner,” police say. An investigation revealed corroborating information, police say, and a warrant was issued for Allred’s arrest.
The allegations stem from online conversations that reportedly took place between October and December of 2023. The conversations occurred on-campus and also over an app called Discord.
The student, who has been identified as a 15-year-old, made a report to Plano police in January 2024. The victim also accused Allred of unwanted touching while on-campus. The alleged physical contact began with Allred touching her under the desk, rubbing her over her clothes and touching her inner thighs, according to court documents.
According to those court documents, the conversations got racier over time. The victim produced screenshots of conversations to police detectives. The victim told detectives Allred asked about "the color of her underwear and talk about his sexual desire for her." It is reported that the 32 year old teacher asked multiple times if "she would date him." The documents also reveal "he could not wait to kiss her" and would "talk about sexual fantasies with her."
Allred denies the unwanted touching or having graphic conversations with the student.
"As trusted educators charged with protecting the safety and well-being of our students, we take seriously our roles in fostering a safe, positive and nurturing environment. We are shocked and deeply disappointed to learn of the alleged violations made by a former employee of Great Lakes Academy," Great Lakes Academy Executive Director/Founder Marjolein Borsten said in a statement to WFAA. "To protect the privacy of those involved, and as this is an active and ongoing investigation, we cannot provide additional information. We hold our employees to the highest standards and expect them to model the same behaviors built on respect, empathy, and accountability that we ask of our students. We have zero tolerance for any act that threatens or undermines this mission. We are fully cooperating with law enforcement and remain committed to supporting our students, faculty, and staff in any way we can."
Police say Allred was taken into custody with the assistance of the Highland Village Police Department. Collin County jail records show Allred was taken into custody and released Jan. 30.
Plano police are still investigating and are asking anyone with additional information to contact a Plano police special victims unit tip line at 972-941-2044.
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