A teacher in custody

Michael Ralph Fouse, 41, taught at Berkner High School in the Richardson school district. He was arrested Aug. 28 and charged with online solicitation of a minor.

The tip came from NCMEC

Richardson police say the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children flagged Fouse in August. Detectives questioned him, searched his home, then made the arrest.

What the affidavit describes

NCMEC flagged a Grindr conversation between Fouse and someone who said he was a 16-year-old living in the same apartment complex.

“Detectives noted the conversation between the two parties was sexually explicit in nature”

He knew the stated age

Police say Fouse repeatedly acknowledged the age and kept going, pushing for a meeting at his apartment. The two never met in person, but explicit photos were exchanged.

“On multiple occasions the suspect commented on the age of the victim and still communicated in a sexual manner”

He admitted the invite

Fouse told detectives he invited the teen over and called it a "bad choice." He denied any relationship with his own students. Bond was set at $20,000.

District pulled him from class

Richardson ISD placed Fouse on administrative leave as soon as it learned of the investigation and says it will act on whatever police find.

“Any conduct that could compromise student safety is unacceptable”