San Antonio police arrested Cecilia Mueller, a 46-year-old elementary school teacher, on Monday and charged her with continuous sexual assault of a child in a case tied to Northside Independent School District. Bexar County jail records showed Mueller was taken into custody Monday after the victim, now an adult, came forward to police last Tuesday.
The affidavit said the alleged abuse happened about a decade ago at Lewis Elementary School and involved the student on multiple occasions. A Northside Independent School District spokesperson confirmed Mueller taught at Lewis Elementary School and remained there for nearly 12 years until June 2019.
The same spokesperson said Mueller is now employed as a teacher at Henderson Elementary School, where Principal Lillyana Hinojosa sent families a letter on Tuesday acknowledging the arrest. Hinojosa wrote, “I’m reaching out to share some difficult news as part of my commitment to keeping you informed about our school community,” and added, “I want to let you know that one of our teachers was recently arrested by the San Antonio Police Department.”
She told parents, “I understand that hearing this news is deeply unsettling,” and said Northside ISD is cooperating fully with SAPD’s investigation. The district also said Employee Relations officially placed Mueller on leave.
Police believe there could be additional victims of Mueller, a prospect that makes the arrest more than a closed case about one complaint from years ago. Hinojosa told families, “My focus, along with the rest of our staff, remains exactly where it should be; on the safety, well-being, and daily learning of your children.” She added, “We are so grateful for the trust you place in us every day,” and said, “Henderson is a special place because of the families who support it, and we will continue to work hard to maintain the safe and positive environment our students deserve.”
For Northside ISD, the question now is not whether Mueller will stay in the classroom — the district has already placed her on leave — but whether anyone else will come forward. Police said they are investigating that possibility.
If you have information related to the case, authorities said you can contact SAPD at 210-207-2313.
