Sanger Police Department arrest former SISD Police Officer

Denton County Jail Mugshots of Israel Demello

SANGER TX - January 14, 2026: The Sanger Police Department has arrested 26-year-old Israel Demello of Denton, who was formerly employed as a police officer with the Sanger Independent School District.

On the afternoon of November 19, 2025, the Sanger Police Department was notified of allegations that Demello had an inappropriate relationship with a student at Sanger ISD. The department immediately notified Sanger ISD, which placed Demello on administrative leave the next morning. A criminal investigation was conducted by the Sanger Police Department's Criminal Investigation Division, with the assistance of digital forensic investigators from the Denton County Sheriff’s Office and full cooperation from Sanger ISD.

As a result of the investigation, arrest warrants were issued by the Denton County Magistrate’s Court for the offenses of Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student, Sexual Assault of a Child, Sexual Performance by a Child, and Indecency with a Child by Sexual Contact – all 2nd Degree Felonies. Demello was arrested on January 14 and booked into the Denton County Jail.

Anyone with information related to this incident is requested to contact the Sanger Police Department at 940-458-7444 or email CID@sangertexas.org

Sanger ISD emailed a Letter to all Parents and Guardians of SISD students on Wednesday, January 14th about the arrest:

Dear Parents and Guardians, 

Sanger ISD is providing this update to inform our families that a Sanger ISD Police Officer who was previously placed on administrative leave has been arrested by the Sanger Police Department on felony charges. 

The officer was placed on administrative leave on November 20, 2025, pending the outcome of an investigation into alleged work-related misconduct concerns. As a result of the Sanger Police Department’s investigation and the evidence of misconduct, the individual is no longer employed by Sanger ISD. 

As guided by the laws followed by Sanger ISD, we are cooperating and providing as much information as we can, and we would like to thank the City of Sanger Police Department for being an essential partner throughout the entire investigation process. 

Please be assured that the safety and well-being of our students and staff remain our highest priority. The district will continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement and take all appropriate actions in accordance with district policy and the law. 

Thank you for your continued trust and support. 

Sincerely, 

Dr. Tommy Hunter 

Superintendent 

Sanger ISD