A former Sanger ISD police officer sits behind bars facing multiple felony charges after allegedly engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a student — a case that has rocked the North Texas community.
Israel Demello, 26, was arrested by Sanger Police Department on January 14, 2026, and booked into Denton County Jail on several disturbing charges, including Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student and Sexual Assault of a Child, according to authorities who confirmed the arrest.
The investigation began in late November 2025 when police were notified of allegations concerning Demello’s conduct with a student. School officials acted swiftly, placing him on administrative leave the morning after the allegations came to light.
Multiple Felony Charges
Demello now faces a litany of second-degree felony charges that paint a disturbing picture. Beyond the improper relationship and sexual assault charges, warrants were also issued for Sexual Performance by a Child and Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact, as detailed in court documents.
The case has sent shockwaves through the community, where school resource officers are typically viewed as protectors rather than potential threats.
“I mean once we thought the worst thing that would happen is a school shooting. That’s why we placed officers at school and now we have to worry about this also. I think it’s a disgrace,” one parent told reporters, capturing the sentiment of many families struggling to process the allegations.
How could this happen? That’s the question many Sanger residents are asking as they grapple with the betrayal of trust that such allegations represent, particularly from someone positioned as a guardian of student safety.
The investigation appears to have moved relatively quickly, with police beginning their inquiry around November 21, just days after the initial report, and leading to the January arrest.
School officials have remained tight-lipped about specific details, citing the ongoing investigation and privacy concerns. However, they’ve emphasized that student safety remains their highest priority.
The case serves as a stark reminder of the vulnerabilities that exist even within systems designed to protect children — and the critical importance of robust vetting, oversight, and reporting mechanisms for those entrusted with students’ wellbeing.
