Onalaska, TX — An elementary school teacher in East Texas has been arrested following an investigation into alleged inappropriate conduct involving a juvenile.
According to the Onalaska Police Department, 47-year-old Jerry M. Cobb, an employee of Onalaska ISD, was taken into custody Tuesday night, March 3.
Cobb is charged with two counts of assault and one count of third-degree felony possession of child pornography.
Police said the investigation began on February 11, 2026, after authorities were notified of an incident involving unwanted contact between Cobb and a juvenile.
Investigators conducted interviews with several adults and juveniles as part of the investigation. Authorities said the information gathered established probable cause to seek arrest warrants.
On Wednesday night, March 4, the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office located Cobb and arrested him on the warrants.
Police also stated that the images discovered during the investigation do not involve juveniles from the local community.
The Onalaska Police Department thanked the Sam Houston State University Police Department, Polk County District Attorney’s Office, Children’s Haven, and the Angelina County Sheriff’s Office for assisting with the investigation.
Officials said the case remains active and will be forwarded to the Polk County District Attorney’s Office for prosecution.
Onalaska Police Chief Byron Dunaway also addressed questions circulating on social media regarding a prior incident involving Cobb.
Dunaway said police were contacted by a parent last year about Cobb but the parent initially chose not to pursue the matter with law enforcement. At the beginning of the current school year, the same parent contacted the chief again, and after an investigation, Cobb was issued a Class C assault citation based on the available evidence at the time.
When additional information and witnesses came forward in February, the investigation expanded and led to the current charges.
Onalaska ISD Statement
Onalaska ISD confirmed that Cobb has been placed on administrative leave while the investigation continues.
“Last night the district was notified by law enforcement that an Onalaska Elementary School employee, who is currently on administrative leave, was arrested,” the district said in a statement released March 4.
The district said it has fully cooperated with law enforcement during the investigation but is limited in the information it can release due to personnel confidentiality and the ongoing investigation.
Officials stated the employee will remain on leave pending the outcome of the investigation and any potential action by the school board.
“The safety of our students is our number one priority and will always guide our decisions,” said Onalaska ISD Superintendent Dr. Kenneth Fraga.
Authorities emphasized that the investigation remains ongoing.
