Drew Dillon Watson was a Physics teacher at YES Prep East End until his termination Friday. The FBI arrested him Thursday after a criminal complaint was filed.
The complaint alleges Watson had been communicating with a 15-year-old boy via text messages, phone calls, Skype and social media such as Kik and Snapchat. The conversations started in April and became sexually explicit. Watson allegedly sent nude pictures of himself and was aware the boy was underage.
In May, the words turned to action. The complaint says Watson flew from Houston to Chicago to meet the boy for sex. The teen got as far as Watson's car, according to the complaint, when the teen's mother saw what was happening and stopped it.
Watson was hired by YES Prep in July. He taught tenth grade. The school says he passed a background check and has no previous offenses. He previously worked at Fort Bend ISD's Travis High School from 2009-2011.
Watson is charged with coercion and enticement as well as transportation with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity. Both counts carry a minimum of 10 years and up to life in federal prison. He is also charged with travel with intent to engage in illicit sexual conduct which carries another 30-year-maximum term, if convicted.
Statement from YES Prep:
"The safety of our students and staff is a top priority at YES Prep Public Schools. As such, every employee at YES Prep must pass the state required background check before beginning their employment. It is unfortunate to learn some information about Mr. Watson's recent deplorable and illegal actions. In the best interest of the campus and the entire YES Prep community, his employment with YES Prep has been terminated effective immediately. We will continue to cooperate with the authorities to support the investigation."
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