A man identified as the assistant band director at La Grulla High School was arrested after a student told authorities she had been groped by him on multiple instances, according to a criminal complaint obtained by Channel 5 News.

Hector Eliut Hernandez was booked into the Starr County jail on Sept. 22 on charges of improper relationship between educator and student, according to a booking report.

Hernandez was released from the Starr County jail and is no longer listed as an inmate or an employee with the Rio Grande City Grulla Independent School District.

According to the complaint, the investigation began on Sept. 8 when an assistant principal at the campus showed police screenshots of phone conversations identified as messages between Hernandez and the student.

After police made contact with the student, the affidavit says the she told investigators she had been texting with Hernandez. She said he gave her a ride to practice during the past week and rubbed her leg.

In separate car rides, the student said Hernandez had groped her breasts and other body parts.

“The student felt uncomfortable with the situation but did not say anything to anyone,” the complaint stated.

The girl also told investigators Hernandez touched her leg and breast while they were alone in a classroom in the La Grulla High School band hall on Sept. 4, 2026, the affidavit says.

“The student victim stated that Hernandez also told her over a phone conversation that once she graduated, they could go on an actual date,” the complaint added. “The student stated that she felt uncomfortable with this situation and that she even blocked Hernandez from her WhatsApp account.”

After that conversation, the student engaged in an act of self-harm and was taken to Border Region Behavioral Center “because she felt guilty for what had happened to her.”

Hernandez’s arrest occurred five days after the Rio Grande City Grulla ISD issued a statement on social media confirming that an investigation involving an educator was underway.

“The district takes this matter seriously and is cooperating fully with law enforcement and all other appropriate investigating agencies,” the statement reads. “The district will continue to comply with all applicable laws, reporting requirements, and district policies and procedures throughout this process.”

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