HUNTSVILLE, Texas (KBTX) – Following the formal termination of two educators last month, the Huntsville ISD school board took decisive action in response to criminal charges. KBTX has confirmed that two additional district employees have been arrested, bringing the total to four Huntsville ISD employees facing criminal charges since March 2025.
Among the individuals arrested is Lauren Rudolph, 33, who worked as a cheerleading coach at Huntsville High School. Rudolph faces charges of Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student, stemming from an incident allegedly dating back to May 1, 2023. She was taken into custody on March 2025, following an ongoing investigation by the district. A Huntsville ISD spokesperson confirmed that the district had been investigating Rudolph even before her resignation.
Huntsville ISD has worked closely with the Huntsville Police Department (HPD) during the investigation, providing support before and after her arrest. KBTX reached out to HPD for further details on the charges, but as of now, specific information remains limited.
Also arrested was James Blasingime, 57, a former employee of Huntsville ISD. Blasingime, who resigned in light of the allegations, faces a charge of Aggravated Sexual Assault of a Child related to an incident that occurred in May 2018. Blasingime was arrested on March 6, 2025, after a warrant was issued for his arrest. According to the district, there were no prior allegations or arrests related to Blasingime during his tenure with Huntsville ISD. The district emphasized that this legal matter is personal, but they are committed to transparency and accountability.
In addition, Eric Buchek, 42, a teacher at Huntsville High School, was arrested for having an inappropriate relationship with a student. His arrest followed an investigation launched by HPD detectives after the school district reported the alleged misconduct. The district confirmed that evidence substantiated the allegations against Buchek, leading to his termination. Buchek was released on a $7,500 bond.
The district clarified online misinformation that falsely labeled Buchek as a fifth-grade teacher, explaining that he was, in fact, a high school instructor.
Lastly, Demondrae Murray, 34, a middle school teacher, was arrested on March 19 for Solicitation of Prostitution. Murray’s arrest occurred during a prostitution sting operation conducted by HPD and the Texas Department of Public Safety (DPS). The incident occurred during school hours when Murray left campus to meet with a sex worker at a hotel along I-45. Following his arrest, Huntsville ISD immediately took action to ensure that Murray would not return to campus.
“Murray’s arrest was part of a broader operation targeting prostitution and human trafficking,” said HPD Lieutenant Wade Roberts. The district emphasized their commitment to maintaining high standards of integrity and responsibility within their staff.
Murray, alongside five other individuals, was arrested as part of the sting operation. The other individuals arrested in the operation include Miguel Ramirez-Casa, Emmanuel Arroyo, Irvin Dominguez, Tirrell Reed, and Justin Murphy.
The four arrests have sparked concerns among Huntsville ISD parents and the wider community. The district, however, reassured the public that they are committed to providing a safe learning environment for students and holding their employees accountable for their actions.
Authorities are continuing to investigate these cases, and further details may become available as legal proceedings unfold.
