TEXARKANA, Texas–A former Texas High School library aide accused of sexual misconduct with a 16-year-old boy is being held in the Bowie County jail with bail set at $500,000.
Cynthia Christina Gerschwiler, 36, allegedly met the boy while she was working for the Texarkana Independent School District but the sexual abuse reportedly occurred after she had left her position there, according to a probable cause affidavit filed Thursday.
Gerschwiler allegedly provided the boy with rides to school, snacks, rides to friend’s houses and other gifts, the affidavit said. Gerschwiler reportedly came to the attention of law enforcement after the teen told a male relative.
In texts obtained by Texas Department of Public Safety and Texas Rangers investigators, Gerschwiler allegedly communicated with the boy like a girlfriend, telling him, “about how much she loved him, missing his touch, her missing touching his skin, and having her face against [the boy’s] face, the affidavit said.
The affidavit alleges that the misconduct occurred in the summer of last year. Gerschwiler’s LinkedIn page shows that she left TISD in June after working there a year.
Gerschwiler allegedly engaged in sexual activity with the boy in her car outside of his grandmother’s residence in Texarkana, Texas, and in an empty house, according to the affidavit.
Gerschwiler faces two to ten years in prison if convicted of child grooming. If convicted of sexual assault of a child, Gerschwiler faces two to 20 years in prison on each count.
The case has been assigned to 202nd District Judge John Tidwell. Gerschwiler is represented by the Bowie County Public Defender’s Office.