# Richardson teacher arrested in Grindr sting case

> A tip from a national tipline led Richardson police to a Berkner High School teacher's door.
- Title: Richardson teacher arrested in Grindr sting case | Shortify
- Summary: A tip from a national tipline led Richardson police to a Berkner High School teacher's door. A NCMEC tip about a Grindr conversation put a 41-year-old high…
- Keywords: richardson, crime, schools, public safety, texas, news, local, teacher, arrested, Grindr, sting, case
- Source: FOX 4 News Dallas-Fort Worth — https://fox4news.com/news/richardson-teacher-arrested-online-minor-solicitation-charge
- Author: Tracy DeLatte
- Published: 2026-09-15T00:00:00+00:00
- Read time: 1 min
- Topics: richardson, crime, schools, public safety, texas, news, local
## 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
## Key takeaway

A NCMEC tip about a Grindr conversation put a 41-year-old high school teacher in jail and on administrative leave within days.