Texas High School Teacher Accused of Giving Student ‘100 Grades,’ Test Answers and Candle Smelling Like Him in Exchange for Sex

Texas authorities have arrested a high school teacher, accusing him of giving answers and stellar grades — as well as a candle smelling like his cologne — to a female student he was having an illicit sexual relationship with.

Stephen Dale Griffin, 46, is no longer teaching science at Memorial High School, where he is still listed among the Houston school's staff.

Last month, Griffin was placed on administrative leave after being charged with a single count of felony inappropriate relationship with a student.

Court documents filed in the case, and obtained by USA Today reporters, claim the alleged victim's mother complained about Griffin to the school's principal in November. Police then interviewed the 18-year-old girl, who confirmed the relationship was initiated at the start of the 2022-2023 school year.

The girl is no longer a student at the school. Investigators said she showed them text messages and emails she'd exchanged with Griffin.

The teacher and the teen allegedly had sex in Griffin's apartment, in the victim's car, and at least once in his classroom.

The teen also met Griffin for sex in a hotel, where he had been staying amid his ongoing divorce.

The student said Griffin shared test answers with her. In time, he "just started giving her 100 grades on her work in his class," the documents allege.

He also is said to have given the teen "his gray staff fleece jacket" and the candle.

Griffin allegedly ended things this fall, texting the teen to ask that she stop contacting him as he was "trying to reconcile" with his wife.

The court documents contend that when he learned police were investigating him, he tried to resume the relationship — and pay her off.

"We need to talk. I miss you," reads some of the alleged texts. "I'm suicidal right now. Don't do this. Want money?"

Neither Griffin — who posted $5,000 bond — nor his attorney, Justin Harris, could be reached for comment.

Griffin has been barred by a judge from having contact with the student or any minor under the age of 17. He's also been fitted with an ankle monitor.