Middle School Teacher Arrested After Soliciting A Minor

ODESSA, TX –– An Odessa Nimitz Middle School teacher is behind bars after allegedly soliciting a minor.

According to the Odessa Police Department, Jovan Jacob Lopez Pando was arrested as part of an investigation by the Crimes Against Persons Unit.

The 28-year-old has been charged with Online Solicitation of a minor which is a Felony of the Second Degree.

Because the investigation is ongoing no information has been released at this time.

In light of the arrest, the Ector County Independent School District released the following statement.

"Ector County ISD is aware of the arrest of a teacher for online solicitation of minors. The Nimitz Middle School staff member was placed on leave when the school became aware of the allegation, and we have been working with the police since that time.
The professional expectations for our staff members are very clear, and this type of behavior will not be tolerated. The safety of our students is top priority, and we will continue to work with law enforcement as they investigate this situation."