HOUSTON — A driving school owner is behind bars after being accused of sexually assaulting a teenage student during and after her driving lesson.
Ronald Eglin, 61, is charged in one incident, so far, but police said they believe there could be more victims out there, including underage victims.
"At this time, we are seeking the community's help as we believe there may be other victims out there in regard to Mr. Eglin, and we are urging any victims to please contact the Houston Police Department,” said HPD Detective Curtis King.
Detectives said Eglin owns and operates a driver's education business called Texas School of Driving on Almeda Road in southwest Houston.
Recently, a 17-year-old girl came forward and told police Eglin sexually assaulted her during and after her driving lesson early last month.
"It is very disturbing and difficult to kind of imagine someone doing this and taking advantage of unsuspecting teens,” said King.
According to court documents, the alleged assaults happened both in the car and inside the driving school building as the victim waited to be picked up by her mom. It goes on to say that Eglin told the victim not to tell anyone what happened because he had a family. The documents also allege Eglin showed her sexual videos and pictures on his phone of multiple young girls he had done things with. The court documents also say Eglin told the victim he gets aroused "when he gets drunk."
Elgin reportedly owned his driving school business for over a decade, which is why detectives believe several of his students may have been victimized by him.
"We do believe it's over a matter of several years," said King.
On Thursday, during a news conference, HPD confirmed Elgin is a former Houston ISD employee.
According to court records, he would approach his victims through his role as a driving instructor or HISD staff member. So far, detectives said they have four police reports involving Elgin, and that was a concern for the judge in probable cause court.
"My big concern is here that the defendant is a serial rapist and has access to additional victims through a carefully designed career that would allow the access," the judge said.
As for his business, police said they've filed a formal complaint with the Texas Department of Licensing and Regulation.
Eglin’s next court date is set for next Thursday. His bond was set at $75,000 in probable cause court.
KHOU went out to the home registered to Eglin. A woman answered the door and said Eglin did not live there and had no comment.
KHOU 11 News reached out to HISD and they sent a statement saying Eglin is no longer allowed at any HISD buildings and cannot attend meetings or activities, nor can he pick up or drop off students. Included in the statement was a message the district sent.
"HISD communicated the following to some families in the district:
"Effective immediately, the district has issued a ban against Ronald Eglin of Texas School of Driving. This absolute ban prohibits Mr. Eglin from entering HISD facilities, campuses, and buildings; it is necessary because the district has received reports of safety concerns about Mr. Eglin’s interaction with HISD students. In addition to not being able to enter any HISD building, Mr. Eglin will also be prohibited from picking up or dropping off HISD students. The safety of our students is our top priority, and the district believes this step is necessary to ensure that our schools remain a safe learning environment.
"Again, this has been an important message from HISD."
Watch the latest update from HPD on this investigation in the video player below: