Yes, they did. So did I. He is one of the best teachers I've ever had, and has great character.
That was what the rally was about. Thanks for the info. So the female student is lying.
I have heard on the radio this case is coming up again.
Here is the report from The Dallas Morning News 2 days ago.
(And he has been arrested. I'll post it to "All" after this one):
Coppell teacher indicted on child indecency charge 
Separate panel had declined to charge him with sexual misconduct
09:03 PM CDT on Thursday, August 5, 2004
By MARGARITA MARTÍN-HIDALGO / The Dallas Morning News
COPPELL – Just months after a grand jury declined to indict a popular Coppell High School teacher on allegations of sexual misconduct with a student, another panel on Thursday charged the teacher with indecency with a child by sexual contact.
Duane Masengill, 35, had not been arrested Thursday, but a warrant was expected to be issued for his arrest by this morning.
Indecency with a child by sexual contact is a second-degree felony. If convicted, Mr. Masengill could face up to 20 years in prison and a $10,000 fine.
A spokeswoman with the Dallas County district attorney's office declined to say why prosecutors had revived the case. She said evidence presented to the grand jury was confidential and could not be released.
"We discovered new evidence and found it necessary to re-present it to the grand jury," Rachel Horton said.
She added that grand jury reviews of cases that were previously rejected are "relatively unusual, but in this case we felt it was the right thing to do."
Coppell police Deputy Chief Gary Nix referred all questions to the district attorney's office.
Mr. Masengill's attorney, Ted Steinke of Dallas, a former state prosecutor, said his client will plead not guilty.
"He was devastated to learn the news, but he's not going to run," Mr. Steinke said.
The allegations of sexual misconduct surfaced in January when a 15-year-old student told investigators that Mr. Masengill had fondled her during tutoring sessions and asked her for sexual favors in exchange for better grades.
A police report provides a graphic account of the incidents, which date to late November or early December 2003.
According to the report, in one incident Mr. Masengill kissed her, and "from that point on when the class took a quiz or a test, the defendant would offer her a better grade during tutoring if she would do something for him."
It also said the girl performed sexual favors for Mr. Masengill.
When questioned by police, Mr. Masengill denied the allegations and asked to take a polygraph test. In January, he was put on administrative leave with pay.
The incident has befuddled the school district and infuriated many students and parents, who steadfastly insist that Mr. Masengill is innocent and have come out again to support him.
At a news conference Thursday afternoon, Coppell school district Superintendent Jeff Turner called Mr. Masengill an outstanding teacher and said the district officials and teachers supported him.
"You are innocent until proven guilty," he said.
Dr. Turner said he was saddened and disappointed by the grand jury's decision.
"Our heart goes out to Mr. Masengill and his family," Mr. Turner said to a roomful of students and reporters gathered at the district offices.
Dr. Turner said he had not talked to Mr. Masengill but would be "talking to him in the near future."
The indictment comes two weeks before Mr. Masengill was scheduled to resume his post, teaching pre-AP geography to freshmen. He also was going to teach one regular geography course.
Dr. Turner said the teacher had been placed on administrative leave with pay. The school district would determine whether to fire Mr. Masengill if he is found guilty, Dr. Turner said.
He added that district teachers and administrators have drafted a set of guidelines to protect teachers and students.
Tenth-grader Matthew Tsang, 15, a former student of Mr. Masengill's, said he was shocked by the allegations. He defended Mr. Masengill as a creative educator who challenged students and "gave us a sense of fun in school."
Minta Hallman said Mr. Masengill was one of her favorite teachers and was popular among students, many of whom would come to him to talk about hockey.
"He's a real big hockey fan," said Minta, 17, a senior. "He loves the Stars."
Maryanne Visconti, a former Coppell elementary and high school teacher, said Mr. Masengill "lives and eats teaching."
She said the student should recant her story.
"I am convinced she is not telling the truth," Ms. Visconti said.
E-mail mmhidalgo@dallasnews.com
Online at: http://www.dallasnews.com/sharedcontent/dws/dn/latestnews/stories/wfaa040805_wz_masengill.497a7952.html
