An Arp, Texas Elementary School counselor is free on $250,000 bond after being arrested on charges of sexual assault in connection with physical relationships with two students.
The Arp School District placed Barbara Lynn Orpineda, 31, on administrative leave. Arp Police Department officials confirmed that Orpineda allegedly had sex with the two students, but provided no further information, including the ages, grade level, or gender of the students involved.
Parents, student complained about counselor
Complaints from Arp School District parents and a student led to the investigation that brought Barbara Orpineda to the attention of law enforcement, according to a statement from Arp ISD Superintendent Dwight Thomas. Two parents and a student contacted the superintendent October 11 and expressed their concerns about Orpineda's activities with the students. Thomas took written statements from all of those leveling the accusations.
After receiving the complaints, Thomas initiated an investigation, which led to him calling Orpineda into his office the following morning and informing her she was being placed on administrative leave.
At that point, Thomas forwarded the written statements and the rest of the information he had gathered to the investigating department of Child Protective Services.
Following an investigation, the Arp Police Department arrested Orpineda Wednesday on the two counts of sexual assault and two counts of improper relationships between a teacher and a student.
Counselor's job was working with younger students
While law enforcement officials did not release any information on whether the students with whom Orpineda was allegedly having sex were her students, Orpineda's school district website on the Weebly platform indicates that her job was working with students ranging in age from pre-kindergarten to fifth grade.
On the website, Orpineda shared her philosophy on the relationships counselors should have with students, saying they were based on recognizing that students are "multi-faceted human beings" and "appreciating their individual needs." Orpineda said her goal was to find out what motivates a student.
"Counselors provide a gateway to enhance a child's self-esteem," Orpineda said, adding that she made efforts to see that the children did not dwell on the past, but applied their experiences to "moving forward."