MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas – A former educator and coach from New Caney ISD received a four-year prison sentence on Tuesday following a conviction for engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a student, as reported by the 359th District Court in Montgomery County.
Samantha Cummings, aged 35, was embarking on her inaugural year with the district, where she taught culinary arts and took on coaching responsibilities for track and volleyball.
Legal filings reveal that Cummings engaged in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old girl from New Caney High School.
It is thought that the connection began in December 2022.
New Caney ISD has announced that she stepped down following her placement on administrative leave due to a report of alleged misconduct received by the school.
In January 2023, authorities took her into custody after a thorough investigation into the matter.
“Ensuring the safety of students is paramount for New Caney ISD, and the district is committed to taking swift and suitable measures to safeguard the well-being of both students and staff,” school officials expressed in a statement following Cummings’ arrest.
A teacher-student relationship that crosses boundaries is classified as a second degree felony.
In Texas, individuals convicted of second-degree felonies face a potential prison sentence ranging from a minimum of two years to a maximum of 20 years.