Jordan Jones, 29, from Horsham, Pennsylvania is charged with felony institutional sexual assault, endangering the welfare of children, and corruption of minors.
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Police say they received a tip on Monday concerning sexual assault by a resource officer at Abington High School.
School officials told Abington police that a 17-year-old student disclosed to a counselor that she was having a sexual relationship with Jones.
The student stated the relationship began in November 2023, when Jones asked her to walk his dog.
Officers say after that, Jones and the student met multiple times and engaged in sexual activity at Jones' home.
Investigators say that the teen called Jones on Monday in the presence of detectives, where he reportedly told her, "I trust you, I know you wouldn't try to get me arrested or anything. That's a big risk, of course. And I took that risk because I care about you and if we were to date my life would be over."
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The suspect, who is a full-time officer with Abington police, has been placed on administrative leave with intent to dismiss, authorities say.
The chief of the Abington Township Police Department issued the following statement, in part, regarding this incident:
"As your Chief, I cannot find the words to accurately convey the pain that this betrayal of trust has caused so many, not the least of which is our victim in this case. These allegations and the subsequent arrest of Jordan Jones are profoundly disturbing. Jones's behavior has brought immeasurable discredit to our organization and our profession, especially since he was in a position of authority and was entrusted to protect our students. Jones's actions do not reflect the great work that the men and women in the Abington Township Police Department do every day. Each Abington officer understands how this incident impacts our profession. The Department remains committed to the strong partnership that we have enjoyed for decades with the Abington School District, and we will do everything in our power to regain the trust of the school community."
Officials from the Abington school district also released a statement on the incident:
"We are taking this matter very seriously and are cooperating fully with the investigation, which is being conducted by the Montgomery County Detective Bureau. Any students or staff with information that might be relevant to their investigation are encouraged to contact Montgomery County Detective Walt Kerr at 610-278-3036, or Abington Detective Sergeant Troy Hummel at 267-536-1111. Officer Jones is prohibited from all Abington School District property, effective immediately.
The well-being and safety of our students and staff are of paramount importance. In the absence of a School Resource Officer, District Administration will provide additional coverage and resources for Abington Senior High School, including having counselors on hand to support any students or staff members who may be having difficulties processing this news."
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School officials held a board meeting on Tuesday night to address the arrest.
Jones, a former Temple University football player, was celebrated just last August for calmly helping to disarm a 17-year-old Cheltenham student who brought a gun to an Abington High School football game.
"I walked up to him casually and said, 'Hey, can I talk to you?' I put my hand on his shoulder. As soon as I put my hand on his shoulder, he ducked down and reached for his waistband," Jones previously told Action News regarding that incident.
Jones' bail has been set at $50,000, and he is prohibited from having contact with the victim or her family. He is also banned from returning to the school and cannot have unsupervised contact with minors.
Anyone with information on this incident is urged to contact the police.