Former Lufkin Teacher Arrested

LUFKIN – A former Lufkin teacher and cheerleading coach has been arrested. Mary Ainsley Thigpen, 29, was arrested Wednesday afternoon on a charge of improper relationship between educator and student. She turned herself in at the Angelina County Jail after an arrest warrant was issued for her. She is currently free on bond. According to a news release from the school district, when the allegation surfaced, campus police started an investigation. When told about the complaint, and that she would be placed on administrative leave, Thigpen resigned.