A former Crowley ISD architecture teacher finds himself behind bars this week, facing multiple charges including sexual assault and improper relationships with a student, authorities confirmed.
Ricardo Ortiz, 62, was arrested on February 5 by Fort Worth police following allegations of inappropriate conduct at Bill R. Johnson Career and Technical Education Center, where he taught architecture. He now faces five charges: four counts of improper relationship with a student and one count of sexual assault. Bail has been set at $125,000 in Tarrant County Jail.
School officials moved swiftly once the allegations came to light. Crowley ISD immediately removed Ortiz from contact with students, terminated his employment, and has been cooperating with law enforcement throughout the investigation. The identity of the student involved has not been released as the investigation remains active.
“We have no information indicating that any other students were involved,” McFarland said. “However, the safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority.”
The arrest has sent shockwaves through the school community, where Ortiz taught at the district’s career and technical education center. Parents received notification of the situation shortly after the arrest was made.
What happens next? The case will likely move through the Tarrant County court system in the coming months, though no trial date has been announced. Meanwhile, school counselors have been made available for students who may need support following the disturbing news.
In a statement, Crowley ISD emphasized their commitment to student safety: “Crowley ISD remains committed to maintaining a safe learning environment for all students. Any further inquiries should be directed to the Fort Worth Police Department.”
This case bears no relation to another Texas educator with the same name. A different Ricardo Ortiz, 30, who taught at Horizon High School in El Paso, recently pleaded guilty to three counts of Coercion and Enticement of a Minor in an unrelated case.
As the investigation continues, the district has asked anyone with relevant information to contact Fort Worth Police Department directly. For now, the school community is left grappling with the betrayal of trust that such allegations represent in an educational setting designed to prepare students for their futures.
