A teacher with First Baptist Academy in Universal City, northeast of San Antonio, has been arrested for child indecency charges after records state he admitted to choosing the 13-year-old victim because she was "pretty and more developed."On March 18, the Universal City Police Department responded to the 1400 block of Pat Booker Road after receiving a report of child grooming.

While interviewing the victim, investigators learned that her 50-year-old teacher, Stephen Charles Strawn, allegedly asked if she could help him with the flag team uniforms. When the victim came to Strawn's office, arrest records state, he asked her to removed her bra.

She refused, but allegedly was told that she might have to remove it the next time they meet.

About two weeks later, the victim returned to try on potential uniforms that showed her back and stomach. Records state Strawn took pictures of the victim in each of the tops she tried on.

Further investigation revealed Strawn had been pulling the victim out of class for "private band lessons" since November 2025.

The next time the victim returned to get measured, she brought a group of friends. But, according to records, Strawn told them the victim was the only one allowed and sent them all back to class to keep her isolated.

The arrest documents detail how Strawn allegedly used a tape measure to inappropriately touch the 13-year-old victim.

When the victim came back to try on the new uniforms, she had brought a friend with her and Strawn allowed her to stay. The victim tried to change in the restroom, but affidavits state Strawn made her change in his office and photographed her in the process.

Records show the victim's friend tried covering up the victim where skin was showing and Strawn told her to stop doing so.

When the victim tried on the crop-top version of the uniform, Strawn allegedly stuck his finger under it and pulled, asking if the garment was too tight. The victim's friend began to feel uncomfortable and chose to record the interaction.

On Wednesday, investigators said Strawn admitted to the unauthorized private lessons, measuring, uniform fitting and photographing.

Strawn allegedly went on to tell investigators he chose the victim because she was "pretty and more developed" and "liked the attention and validation he received from the victim."

Strawn was listed as a band and yearbook teacher on the school's website. He now faces charges of indecency with a child-sexual contact and child grooming; he was booked into the Bexar County jail on bonds totaling $125,000.

The First Baptist Church of Universal City and First Baptist Academy said in a statement that Strawn was immediately placed on administrative leave after staff learned of the allegations. As of Thursday night, he was "no longer serving on campus."

The full statement is below:

"First Baptist Church of Universal City and First Baptist Academy are aware of the recent arrest of a faculty member following an investigation initiated by Child Protective Services in coordination with the Universal City Police Department.

"On Monday, March 16, 2026, Child Protective Services visited the First Baptist Academy campus in response to a report involving an alleged inappropriate interaction between a teacher and a student. Prior to this visit, church and school leadership had not been made aware of the report or the alleged incident.

"Upon notification, the employee was immediately placed on administrative leave. The individual is no longer serving on campus. The church and academy are fully cooperating with law enforcement and Child Protective Services and are committed to supporting a thorough and transparent investigative process.

"The safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority. We take this matter with the utmost seriousness and are committed to maintaining a safe, secure, and supportive environment for every child entrusted to our care. We are also working to provide appropriate care and support for students, families, and staff affected by this situation.

"Out of respect for the privacy of those involved and the integrity of the ongoing investigation, we will not be providing additional details at this time. We ask for continued prayer for those directly impacted, especially the students and families affected, as well as for our school community."