Irving elementary music teacher accused of molesting student for years in classroom

A music teacher at an Irving elementary school surrendered to police Monday after he was accused of molesting a student in a classroom for years, police said.

Police said a 10-year-old girl made an outcry last week and her parents reported it to law enforcement authorities.

At the time, Edmund Charles Barrera was under investigation after several other girls reported he was making "unwanted contact" with them, police said.

Barrera was in the Irving Jail Monday with bail set at $50,000.

He faces a charge of indecency with a child, police said. That case involves the 10-year-old girl.

Barrera is a music teacher at Lee Britain Elementary, 631 Edmondson Drive.

"Irving ISD is committed to the safety of our students and expect all staff to adhere to the highest ethical practices and conduct," Irving school officials said in a statement Monday. "We do not tolerate behaviors that compromise the safety or well-being of our students."

Detectives began investigating Barrera in early April after a student reported her teacher had made "unwanted contact" with her, police said.

"Those accusations involved the teacher touching the student," Irving police spokesman James McLellan said in a telephone interview. "But at that time the allegations amounted to simple assault."

As the investigation continued, two more girls reported "unwanted contact" by the teacher, police said.

Last week, the 10-year-old girl made an outcry against Barrera, accusing him of sexually touching her through her clothing.

Barrera is accused of molesting her during classroom hours for the past few years.

As of Monday, at least eight girls had reported "unwanted contact."

Police are encouraging parents to speak with their children about the dangers of inappropriate contact.

This story was originally published May 14, 2018 at 3:19 PM with the headline "Irving elementary music teacher accused of molesting student for years in classroom."