Former Principal Pleads Not Guilty To Child Enticement Charges
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ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) - Appearing before a judge on Thursday, former HEB Independent School District principal Oscar Figueroa pleaded not guilty to coercion and enticement of a child online.
Authorities in Frisco apprehended 46-year-old Figueroa last week. A judge released Figueroa on bond, but he was then re-arrested a short time later by federal agents. Homeland Security officials have been working with the Frisco Police Department on this case. Figueroa was charged with the coercion and enticement of a minor. He was indicted on Wednesday.
During Thursday's hearing, more details were released about the case against Figueroa. Police in Frisco received a tip on July 7 about a Craigslist ad. The accused man allegedly wanted to engage in oral sex with a minor, and was trying to meet up with a 16-year-old boy at the Stonebriar Centre's movie theater. That teen turned out to be an undercover officer.
The judge set a pre-trial date for September 4, and ordered that Figueroa remain detained until his trial. If he is convicted, Figueroa can look forward to a mandatory punishment of 10 years in prison, or a maximum life sentence.
Meanwhile, Viridian Elementary School is moving forward with a new leader. HEB ISD appointed Dr. Aungelique Brading as the new principal of the campus after Figueroa resigned from his position one day after his arrest.
Parents and students can welcome Brading during a meet-and-greet set for 6:00 on Thursday night at Viridian Elementary School. The campus, located in Arlington, is only a few years old and is already getting ready for a new school year.