Willis ISD Employee Arrested For Allegedly Victimizing Former District Student
WILLIS, TEXAS — The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit has arrested a Willis ISD employee on a charge of Online Solicitation of a Minor, prompting the district to terminate his employment and notify families Monday morning.
According to both Willis ISD and MCSO, 27‑year‑old Austin Gwaltney, a Technology Support Helper employed by the district since January 30, 2024, was arrested following an SVU investigation into an alleged inappropriate relationship involving a 14 year old former Willis ISD student.
SVU detectives determined that inappropriate photographs were exchanged between Gwaltney and the minor. Investigators also confirmed Gwaltney’s employment in the district’s Information Technology Department.
Late Sunday evening, detectives executed both an arrest warrant and a search warrant at Gwaltney’s residence. He was taken into custody and transported to the Montgomery County Jail, where he is currently being held on a $125,000 bond.
Willis ISD said it learned of the arrest Monday morning and immediately terminated Gwaltney’s employment. The district noted it is aware of one situation involving a former student but cannot release further details due to the active investigation. Administrators emphasized the need to protect the privacy of those involved and avoid interfering with law‑enforcement efforts.
The investigation is ongoing and is being conducted jointly by the MCSO Special Victims Unit and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.
Individuals with information related to the case, or anyone who believes they may have been a victim, are urged to contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at 936‑760‑5800 and reference case #26A299451.
Families with concerns about interactions involving their children may also contact Willis ISD Director of Guidance and Counseling Kelly Locke at 936‑856‑1200.
In its message to families, Willis ISD stressed that the actions of one individual do not reflect the professionalism of the district’s more than 1,400 employees and reaffirmed its commitment to student safety and transparency as the investigation continues.
