An Amarillo man and former educator has been arrested on multiple felony charges involving the sexual assault of a child.
Authorities confirmed that Dwight David Merrell, 42, was taken into custody on Tuesday, Sept. 2, after the filing of a complaint with the 181st District Court led to a warrant for his arrest. Merrell now faces one count of aggravated sexual assault of a child, a first-degree felony carrying a possible sentence of five to 99 years in prison, along with three counts of indecency with a child involving sexual contact, each a second-degree felony punishable by two to 20 years if convicted.
Employment History
Merrell’s past employment has raised questions in the wake of the charges. He previously worked as a special education teacher for Friona Independent School District (ISD) and also taught special education classes at Trinity Fellowship Church earlier this year.
Former staff members from Trinity Fellowship confirmed Merrell’s role with the church but declined to provide further details. When contacted, Trinity Fellowship’s Director of Human Resources, H. Kurt Vogeler, said that employment information could not be released without a signed authorization from the individual. Vogeler referred additional inquiries to the church’s marketing and communications department.
Friona ISD also addressed Merrell’s prior employment with their district, clarifying that the current charges are unrelated to his work or any students at the school.
“Friona ISD has been made aware of the formal charges filed against a former employee. These charges are not in any way related to the former employee’s work with Friona ISD or any current or former Friona ISD students,” Superintendent Daniel Rosales said in a statement. “As a matter of policy, Friona ISD cooperates fully with all law enforcement investigations to ensure the safety and well-being of everyone in our district. Given that this is a legal matter concerning a private individual, the district will have no further comment on this issue. All questions regarding this case should be directed to the appropriate law enforcement agency.”
Legal Process
At this stage, the case remains in its early phases. Formal charges have been filed, but Merrell has not yet appeared in court for arraignment. As with any criminal case, Merrell is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
Aggravated sexual assault of a child is among the most serious offenses under Texas law, carrying lengthy prison terms if a conviction is reached. Indecency with a child involving sexual contact, though considered a lesser charge, is still a felony that can have lasting consequences, including mandatory sex offender registration.
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