The band director at Grand Prairie High School was in police custody Friday, accused of having an improper relationship with a student last year, police and school district officials said.
Eric Camarillo, 36, was arrested Thursday. Bond was set at $100,000, according to a news release from police.
"The victim indicated the offense took place while she was a student at the Grand Prairie High School at or around 9/2011," said Detective Lyle Gensler, police spokesman, in the news release.
The victim was described as a "former student" in a brief statement from the Grand Prairie Independent School District.
"The director was immediately removed from all duties and prohibited from being on district property," according to the statement. "District officials will continue to cooperate fully with the Grand Prairie Police Department during the ongoing investigation."
The band director’s responsibilities were transferred to Assistant Director Jared Bass, school officials said.
"We want to assure all of our parents and students that safety is one of our main priorities," said Superintendent Dr. Susan Hull. "We are deeply saddened by this situation and will continue to do everything within our power to maintain the trust placed in us by the Grand Prairie community."
Improper relationship with a student is a second-degree felony punishable by up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
-- Bill Miller
I have faith that Mr.Camarillo is not guilty of what he has been accused of. He is a great and wonderful band director, GPHS is lucky to have him. Why did the student wait so long??? Thats why I know he is not guilty. My daughter is in the GPHS MARCHING BAND and we are a family, I just feel that the student isn't saying the truth . One doesn't wait one whole year to say anything ...... It just doesn't make sense to me that one day she is telling her stories then the next minute he is being relieved of all his duties and in jail. I HOPE THERE IS A LOT OF EVIDENCE FOR GPISD & GP POLICE TO REACT THE WAY THEY HAVE. Because I just don't believe the victim is saying the truth!
Posted by: Melissa | October 28, 2012 at 11:56 PM
Mr. Camarillo is innocent! I have personally known Mr. Camarillo for 5 years now, and he would never do ANYTHING like this! He was always talking about how important his job is to him. AND NOT TO MENTION BUT HE HAS A 6 MONTH OLD DAUGHTER! That's one reason i know he is not guilty. And like the comment above said; Why did she wait a year!?!?!? #FreeEricCamarillo!!!!!!!!!!
Posted by: Victoria | October 29, 2012 at 04:51 PM
I've also been a friend to Eric since elementary and I know how important his job is to him. He is just to smart to do anything like this and risk losing everything plus his new family. I think the accusations are false also. I've also been told that the victim confessed to making it all up on twitter. So what's taking the investigation so long to complete?
Posted by: Angie | November 04, 2012 at 01:53 PM
He is definitely innocent, students are so stupid now. She's probably some self conscious child who needs the attention. Free Mr. Camarillo. His students are more important to him than his job. He loves us all. If the GP police department found him guilty then I have lost faith in GP. Also, might I add I'm a former student of his, I know what he's about.
Posted by: Tania | November 05, 2012 at 01:18 PM
I've known him half my life. This is just so wrong. No words to express just how wrong all this is...
Posted by: N/a | November 05, 2012 at 04:24 PM
The truth will com out sooner or later. If Mr. Camarillo is guilty of be involved with a student, then he is guilty! Teachers can not be involved with students! Period!
Posted by: N/A | November 21, 2012 at 11:01 AM
Oh my. Student's are stupid I hope this never happens to ur child. Untill then back up reguardless if you know him. Ur sad for saying s
he stupid that's why rape victumes never come forward because stupid ppl like u.
Posted by: teresa. martinez | December 07, 2012 at 10:52 PM