The school’s police initially reported one educator’s arrest but later confirmed a second, along with the principal.
ARLINGTON, Texas — A North Texas educator, a staff member, and the principal of their campus were arrested this week as part of an ongoing investigation into child grooming and an inappropriate relationship between a student and an educator, according to police.
The Newman International Academy (NIA) Police Department said in a news release that law enforcement received information on February 6 that led to the immediate termination of NIA High School educator Ruel Barbee and staff member Gabrielle Little.
The campus, located at 1111 Gibbins Rd. in Arlington, serves as a charter school for students in grades 7 through 12.
The news release further stated that on the same day, NIA PD obtained an arrest warrant for Barbee, accusing him of having an improper relationship with a student. He was subsequently booked into Tarrant County Jail, although records showed no appearance of Barbee in custody as of Wednesday.
A warrant was also issued for Little, who was arrested on February 10 on charges of child grooming. However, jail records indicate that she has since been released.
In a separate update on February 12, NIA PD reported that the campus principal, Rick Adams, was arrested after authorities obtained witness statements and evidence that provided probable cause. Adams was charged with three counts of tampering with evidence, one count of tampering with a witness, and one count of failure to report abuse. The tampering charges are classified as third-degree felonies.
As the investigation continues, NIA PD revealed that Adams, the athletic director, the head varsity girls’ basketball coach, and an assistant football coach were all placed on paid administrative leave.
Dr. Sheba George, the district’s Superintendent, issued the following statement on Wednesday:
“We will root out any exploitation or abuse of our students. There is absolutely no excuse for the actions of educators who fail to prioritize the well-being of students or who cause harm. It is my hope and prayer that other institutions responsible for the safety of children take similar action in response to this issue in our schools. At Newman International Academy, we will always do what is right. We will fight for justice for the victims. We will not tolerate abuse or any effort to cover it up. We will handle all allegations of misconduct fairly, but make no mistake: There is no place at Newman for protecting an educator or this institution’s reputation over the safety and justice of a student.”
NIA PD confirmed that the investigation is ongoing, with further details to be released as permitted by law.