Miguel Lucero, 36, faces a felony charge of an improper relationship between educator and student. He was jailed in lieu of a $10,000 bond.
Police officials said Lucero was arrested after an investigation by the police Special Investigations Group. The district attorney's office reviewed the case and decided to prosecute.
Chief Greg Allen had fired Lucero in December after an internal investigation found evidence of the relationship.
Lucero allegedly met the girl while working as an off-duty security officer at a Riverside High School, police and school district officials said. The allegations were first raised by the girl's boyfriend.
Lucero had been with the department for 11 years and had one written reprimand for off-duty misconduct during his career, according to his disciplinary history card.
Lucero is one in a recent string of El Paso police officers suspected of criminal misconduct on and off duty.
Last month, Officer Zake Rivera was arrested for allegedly forcing a woman to perform oral sex on him during a family disturbance call. Rivera has since been fired.
In October, Sgt. Alberto Madrid was arrested on suspicion of stealing a wedding money box while working off duty at a reception.
That same month, Officer Mark Muñoz was indicted and charged with molesting an unconscious woman while off duty in 2009.
During an El Paso Times online chat today, Allen was asked what the Police Department was doing to remove or keep problem officers from joining the police force in light of the recent arrests.
"The department has implemented more stringent processes related to hiring," Allen said. "I believe a strong foundation as far as a person's character will make a better officer. These are the standards I was hired under and have implemented in my current academy staff and personnel department.
Source:El Paso Times
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