QUEEN CITY, TX — A special education teacher at Pleasant Grove ISD was arrested Thursday following an investigation into allegations of sexual abuse involving a disabled person and improper relationships with students. Jeffrey Merrill Parker, 63, of Queen City, was taken into custody by Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS) troopers at approximately 12:36 p.m. on April 30, 2026.
Parker is currently facing one count of Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Disabled Person and three counts of Improper Relationship between an Educator and Student.
Anonymous Tip Triggers Investigation
The investigation began Monday, April 27, when Pleasant Grove ISD Police Chief Jake Klar notified the Texarkana Police Department about an anonymous tip the district had received. Parker has been working as a High School Special Education Teacher with the school district. Detective Tabitha Smith was assigned to the case and, through the course of a four-day investigation, developed evidence to support the multiple felony warrants.
Severe Legal Consequences
The charges against Parker carry heavy penalties under the Texas Penal Code:
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Continuous Sexual Abuse of a Disabled Person: Classified as a first-degree felony, this charge typically involves two or more acts of sexual abuse within a 30-day period. If convicted, it carries a mandatory minimum of 25 years to life in prison.
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Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student: These are second-degree felonies, each carrying a potential sentence of 2 to 20 years in prison.
Current Custody Status
Parker was booked into the Cass County Jail immediately following his arrest. Authorities confirmed he is expected to be transferred to the Bi-State Jail in Texarkana in the coming days as the judicial process moves forward in Bowie County.
Pleasant Grove ISD officials noted that the district is cooperating fully with the Texarkana Police Department.
Parker was recently honored by Pleasant Grove High School on Veterans Day. He is a former member of the U.S. Navy.
The investigation is ongoing.
