Elementary school teacher in The Colony arrested for child sex assault

THE COLONY, Texas - An elementary school teacher is in the Denton County jail on an $850,000 bond, charged with sexually assaulting a child.

John Collett is accused of sexual contact with a student at Camey Elementary School in The Colony, where he worked.

Parents were sent a letter about the alleged abuse, and counselors were made available Thursday.

Police haven't said much about the allegation, whether it happened on or off campus or whether they're looking for more victims.

Collett arrested Wednesday on charges of aggravated sexual assault of a child and indecency with a child - sexual contact. 

The Lewisville ISD school is in The Colony city limits.

The Colony police say the charges came after a parent was suspicious after picking up their 10-year-old child from school last week. 

Police did not specify if the alleged incidents happened on or off campus but did say there is only one alleged victim making claims at this time.

Georgia Provitt says she received a notice from the district about the investigation. She is a parent of multiple Lewisville ISD elementary students, but they do not attend Camey. She says she was already having conversations with her children about this topic prior to the arrest. 

"We started out with these side convos about indecency and whatnot. But now it takes our mind to go the step further," she said. "Now, we actually have to have the actual discussion about right from wrong. If this happens, talk to someone, the adult."

Some parents who know Collett said he is a well-liked teacher. 

Collett was so liked that he was voted 2022 Elementary School Teacher of the Year in the "Best of Denton County" publication.

Lewisville ISD said Collett was immediately put on administrative leave. 

In a statement it says, "Anytime accusations are made that someone has hurt a child, it is the very worst possibility we face...a specialized team of highly trained counselors are on campus today and will continue to support our campus and any students or staff in need in the days ahead."

While these are currently just allegations against Collett, parents like Provitt say it’s important to have tough conversations with your children.

"It can be anybody," she said. "It can be your preacher, family member, best friend, parent." 

Collett is still in the Denton County jail with an $850,000 bond.