Houston school employee accused of impregnating 13-year-old student

A tech worker at a Houston middle school accused of impregnating a 13-year-old student appeared in court Thursday on charges of child molestation.

Mauricio Orlando Mendoza, 37, an information technology worker, faces the possibility of life in prison after being charged with aggravated sexual assault of a child.

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Mendoza was arrested Wednesday after the girl's mother found illicit text messages between her daughter and Mendoza in December and reported them to administrators at Hartman Middle School.

Mauricio Mendoza has been charged with aggravated sexual assault of a student at a Houston middle school. Mauricio Mendoza has been charged with aggravated sexual assault of a student at a Houston middle school. Photo: HISD Photo: HISD Image 1 of / 15 Caption Close Houston school employee accused of impregnating 13-year-old student 1 / 15 Back to Gallery

Prosecutors said they believe Mendoza and the girl had sex in his office and the school library.

After the outcry, the girl was tested for pregnancy, which came out positive, prosecutors said.

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"The defendant is believed to be the father of the unborn child," said Assistant Harris County District Attorney Patrick Stayton.

Mendoza, who appeared in court in grey slacks and a grey dress shirt, is free on $50,000 bail. He did not speak in court.

Prosecutors said he is a legal immigrant from El Salvador and has been in the U.S. with his wife and children for about five years.

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After hearing the allegations, state District Judge Hazel Jones held Mendoza until his family can deliver his passport to the court while the case is pending. His wife is expected to bring the passport to court Thursday.

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