A 22-year-old former Balmorhea ISD substitute teacher has been arrested on a felony charge following an investigation into allegations that she had an improper relationship with a 17-year-old former student, according to reporting by NewsWest 9.
Meranda Jasmin Valerio, 22, was arrested Sept. 2 by the Reeves County Sheriff’s Office on one count of improper relationship between an educator and a student, a second-degree felony.
According to an affidavit obtained by NewsWest 9, the sheriff’s office investigated allegations involving Valerio and a former student during the 2025-26 school year and into the summer.
Investigators received information alleging Valerio had a relationship with the former student while she was serving as a substitute teacher for Balmorhea ISD. A Child Protective Services report identified the student as a 17-year-old male at the time of the alleged conduct, according to NewsWest 9.
Authorities interviewed witnesses, the alleged victim and Valerio during the investigation. The Reeves County Sheriff’s Office subsequently obtained a warrant for Valerio’s arrest.
Valerio reportedly turned herself in to the sheriff’s office and was later released after posting a $50,000 bond.
The investigation remains ongoing.
The charge is an allegation, and Valerio is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.
This story is based on reporting by NewsWest 9, which obtained and reviewed the arrest affidavit.
