Former TISD aide arrested for sexual assault

TYLER — A former Tyler ISD staff member was arrested on Wednesday night on a sexual assault charge, according to our news partner KETK. Arrest documents from the Smith County Sheriff’s Office reveal that a Tyler police officer was patrolling the area of Fun Forest Park around 9:20 p.m. when they witnessed two people who “were clearly nude” in the back of a vehicle.

Officers approached the vehicle and identified the woman as Anahi Arellano, a former instructional aide at Bell Elementary, along with a male companion. Initially, the male provided false information regarding his age, but it was later verified that he is 16 years old.

Arellano allegedly admitted to officers that she and the minor had “sexual intercourse” in the back of the vehicle, prompting her arrest. She was booked into Smith County Jail on Wednesday night, facing a sexual assault charge.

Tyler ISD made a statement to KETK News on the arrest, stating that she in no longer employed with the district. “The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. When the district becomes aware of allegations of this nature, we follow all required state and local protocols and cooperate fully with law enforcement.”

Jail records show Arellano was released on Thursday around 2 p.m.