Willis ISD employee Austin Gwaltney has been arrested following an investigation involving a 14-year-old former student, according to Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office.
The Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit arrested the 27 year-old on a charge of online solicitation of a minor.
According to MCSO, the investigation began after authorities received a report of an alleged inappropriate relationship between Gwaltney and the former Willis ISD student. Investigators said they determined that inappropriate photographs were exchanged between Gwaltney and the minor.
MCSO also confirmed that Gwaltney worked for Willis ISD in its Information Technology Department.
Willis ISD later released a statement identifying Gwaltney as a Technology Support Helper who provided technical assistance throughout the district. According to the district, he was hired on January 30, 2024, and his employment was terminated on August 31, 2026.
The district said it became aware of Gwaltney’s arrest Monday morning and is cooperating with the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office. Willis ISD also said it is aware of one situation involving a former student but cannot release additional details because the investigation remains active.
According to MCSO, investigators executed an arrest warrant and a search warrant at Gwaltney’s home late Sunday evening. He was taken to the Montgomery County Jail, where MCSO reported he was being held on a $125,000 bond.
The investigation remains ongoing and is being handled jointly by the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office Special Victims Unit and the Montgomery County District Attorney’s Office.
Anyone with information related to the investigation, or anyone who believes they may have been a victim, can contact the Montgomery County Sheriff’s Office at 936-760-5800 and reference case #26A299451.
Willis ISD said families with concerns about an interaction involving their child can also contact Director of Guidance and Counseling Kelly Locke at 936-856-1200.
