Arrest warrant issued for Walnut Creek Elementary School Asst. Principal

AUSTIN, Texas - Austin ISD announced Friday a warrant has been issued for the arrest of Walnut Creek Assistant Principal Juan Zea on a charge of failure to report child abuse, a Class A misdemeanor.

Bus driver, 61-year-old Leon Ralph Young of Pflugerville, was accused of inappropriately touching a 6-year-old girl at his driver's seat in April according to court documents.

Young was fired April 27. He'd worked for the district since 2012.

As we first reported earlier this month, the affidavit says Zea saw Young touch the girl on her shoulder and back and reprimanded him but did not report him to authorities.

According to AISD, Zea has not been on campus since April 22, and he resigned May 6.

"We are doing everything in our power to investigate the matter and follow any and all leads into how this happened. We take these matters very seriously and are committed to the well-being of our students," said Superintendent Paul Cruz in a statement sent to FOX 7.

AISD says it has been in contact with all families whose students may have had contact with the bus driver.

In a statement released to FOX 7, Amanda Van Hoozer, Center for Child Protection Director of Program Services sheds light on the importance of reporting child abuse:

"By law in the State of Texas, any person who has cause to believe that a child is being neglected or physically, emotionally or sexually abused has a legal obligation to report it. Child care professionals – including teachers, nurses, doctors, clergy, social workers, mental health professionals and day care professionals are required to report suspected child abuse within 48 hours.

If you suspect a child is being abused, please report it at the toll-free, 24-hour Texas abuse hotline at 1-800-252-5400 or report online here. If it is an emergency, call 911.

The Center for Child Protection is a nationally accredited children's advocacy center and the only nonprofit in Travis County involved in the investigation of crimes against children. The Center is a child-friendly, specially-equipped facility where children go for recorded forensic interviews, medical exams, counseling and intervention during the investigation and prosecution of child abuse cases. All services are provided to children and their protective caregivers at no charge and are available in both English and Spanish. For more information, visit here.