KLEIN, Texas — Another Houston-area teacher has been arrested and accused of sexually abusing a student.
The latest case involves a Klein ISD teacher who was fired following an investigation.
Matthew Stegeman Sr., 52, was arrested Monday and charged with indecency with a child by sexual contact.
According to court documents, the 7-year-old student at Epps Island Elementary told her mom that Stegeman touched her in her private area and tried to put his hands down her underwear back in September. When she pulled away and told him "no," court documents allege the teacher told her, "You may not like it now, but you will later."
The girl said Stegeman continued to touch her inappropriately on multiple occasions and that he constantly called her "cute" and "pretty."
According to the investigating officer, Stegeman met with the school's human resources director and told her this girl “did not act like anything was wrong,” and that she often assisted him with classroom tasks.
He also reportedly said, “You know, I may at times pinch their cheeks. Sometimes the kids come and hug me, and I tickle them."
The school’s principal told investigators that Stegeman was previously counseled about boundaries with students after he allegedly kissed another female student on the cheek.
Stegeman appeared before a probable cause court judge on Wednesday, where he was given a $50,000 bond. The former teacher reacted to the amount in court.
"What's your question about?" the judge asked.
"The bond, I have to come up with $50,000?" Stegeman said.
The married father of two was later released after posting bond.
Part of his bond conditions include no contact with the alleged victim and staying at least 500 feet away from any location where children gather, including schools, parks and playgrounds.
In a statement, the Klein ISD said it has contacted the parents of Stegeman's students. Read Klein ISD's full statement:
"After being made aware of an allegation of this individual kissing a student on the cheek, the District placed him on administrative leave, immediately began an investigation, contacted the parents of his students, and the individual’s employment was terminated. The District takes all claims seriously and immediately takes appropriate action to protect students."
Other Houston-area teachers charged
In the past month, three teachers have been charged and one former teacher has been sentenced for inappropriate relations with children.
RELATED: Former Memorial High School teacher arrested, accused of years-long relationship with student
That's why it's so important to talk with your children about these kinds of crimes and to teach them how to speak up.
Experts say having these conversations when they're young and having them often will make your children more comfortable and honest with you. It's also important to teach them the proper names of their body parts so they can express concerns to you or another trusted adult. You should also constantly reassure your children that they will not get in trouble. If your child is older, experts say you should be blunt and direct when talking about sexual assault.