A Texas high school teacher and sports coach is facing serious criminal charges after authorities accused him of carrying on a secret sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student — including alleged encounters inside his classroom at school.

Chad Allen Rodriguez, 38, was arrested after investigators say another student discovered suspicious behavior involving Rodriguez and the teenage girl inside a classroom at John Jay High School in San Antonio.

According to investigators, Rodriguez worked as a physics and astronomy teacher while also coaching football and track at the school. Authorities allege the inappropriate relationship began earlier during the school year and eventually escalated into sexual encounters both on campus and elsewhere.

Police documents reportedly claim the pair exchanged explicit photos, videos, and messages over time before allegedly meeting for sexual activity inside Rodriguez’s classroom. Investigators also allege encounters may have occurred inside the coach’s vehicle parked on school grounds.

The case allegedly unraveled after another student spotted Rodriguez and the girl alone together in the classroom last week, triggering concern and ultimately leading the teenager to speak with police.

Authorities later reviewed surveillance footage and gathered additional evidence as part of the investigation.

Rodriguez has now been charged with “improper relationship between educator and student,” a second-degree felony under Texas law. If convicted, he could face up to 20 years in prison.

Although the age of consent in Texas is 17, state law prohibits sexual relationships between school employees and enrolled students due to the authority imbalance involved.

Following the arrest, the Northside Independent School District confirmed Rodriguez had been placed on immediate administrative leave.

In a statement, district officials said they are “cooperating fully with law enforcement” while emphasizing that student safety remains the district’s highest priority.

The allegations have triggered intense reactions online and throughout the San Antonio community, especially because Rodriguez reportedly spent nearly a decade working at the school.

Parents and community members expressed shock as details surrounding the investigation began spreading across social media.

Many people questioned whether warning signs may have existed before the allegations became public.

Meanwhile, investigators continue reviewing communications, electronic evidence, and witness statements connected to the case.

Authorities have not announced whether additional charges could be filed as the investigation remains ongoing.