Rusk school teacher is arrested

BRIAN BASSE

Brian Edward Basse, 34, of Rusk has posted bond and been released from the Cherokee County Jail. Mr. Basse, a Rusk High School social studies teacher, is charged with two second degree felonies: indecency with a child and improper relationship between an educator and student.

He was arraigned before Justice of the Peace Precinct 1 Brenda Dominy, who set bail at $10,000 on each of the charges.

Mr. Basse was charged with the offenses on Feb. 21. He resigned from his position with Rusk ISD on the same day.

He has been employed with Rusk ISD since 2000, coming to Rusk from Jacksonville ISD.

Rusk ISD Superintendent Dr. Jim Largent said after the arrest was made, "Last week, I became aware of an allegation of an inappropriate relationship between a RISD staff member and a student. I immediately began an internal investigation along with the high school principal, assistant principal and counselors.

"We quickly uncovered specific information regarding times, places, and events that led us to believe that the allegations had merit. None of these allegations took place on Rusk ISD property.

"We immediately notified the Rusk Police Department and worked closely with them as they led the investigation. After Rusk Police Department received sufficient evidence of an inappropriate relationship to issue warrants, the staff member was arrested. After the arrest, I received a resignation that was effective immediately.

"As educators, our parents and community entrust us with their most precious commodity- their children. They expect them to be safe, protected, and educated. When staff members cross the line into inappropriate relationships, it destroys this trust.

"As your Superintendent, you can be assured that RISD will cooperate fully with law enforcement and State agencies to ensure that any staff member who is proven to have violated this trust will never again be given the privilege of working with or around school children."

Several parents expressed appreciation to the school district for their prompt investigation of the incident.

One mother, who wanted to remain anonymous said, "A teacher should always remember that he or she is an adult and the student is a child. As an adult a teacher should conduct himself in that manner."