Michael Ralph Fouse is a 41-year-old science teacher at Berkner High School in Richardson, Texas, who was arrested on August 28, 2026, and charged with online solicitation of a minor, a third-degree felony. Richardson Police say the investigation began after detectives received a tip from the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children. Officers later executed both an arrest warrant and a search warrant at Fouse’s Richardson home. He was released after posting $20,000 bond, while Richardson Independent School District placed him on administrative leave and reported the case to the Texas Education Agency.
Michael Fouse Arrest
Fouse Was Arrested On August 28, 2026. Richardson Police Department detectives arrested Michael Ralph Fouse at his Richardson residence after obtaining an arrest warrant. Police said he was taken into custody without incident. [Richardson Police] [CBS Texas]
Police Also Searched Fouse’s Home. Detectives executed a search warrant at the residence at the same time they served the arrest warrant. Authorities have not publicly detailed what evidence, if any, was seized. [Richardson Police]
Fouse Was Booked Into The Richardson Jail. He was processed on the felony solicitation charge following his arrest. [Texas Scorecard]
$20,000 Bond
Fouse’s Bond Was Set At $20,000. Jail information cited by Texas Scorecard listed that amount following his booking. [Texas Scorecard]
Fouse Was Released Later The Same Day. Updated reporting published August 31 says he posted bond and was released from the Richardson Jail on August 28. [Texas Scorecard]
Online Solicitation Of A Minor Charge
Fouse Is Charged With Online Solicitation Of A Minor. Richardson Police identified the offense as a third-degree felony. [Richardson Police]
The Publicly Released Police Statement Does Not Describe The Alleged Communications. As of September 1, authorities have not publicly identified the alleged minor’s age, the online platform involved, the specific communications attributed to Fouse, or whether an in-person meeting was allegedly planned. [Richardson Police]
NCMEC Tip Starts Investigation
Richardson Police Began Investigating Fouse On August 20. Detectives opened the case eight days before his arrest. [Richardson Police]
The Investigation Began With A Tip From The National Center For Missing & Exploited Children. Richardson Police specifically credited information received from NCMEC with prompting detectives to begin investigating Fouse. [Richardson Police] [CBS Texas]
Police Continue Investigating
Richardson Police Say The Investigation Remains Active. Detectives said they are continuing to gather evidence after the arrest. [Richardson Police]
Police Are Working Directly With Richardson ISD. The department said detectives are coordinating with district officials as they seek additional information. [Richardson Police]
Investigators Are Asking Anyone With Information To Come Forward. Richardson Police directed people with relevant information to contact the department’s Investigation Division at 972-744-4893. [Richardson Police]
Michael Fouse At Berkner High School
Fouse Was A Science Teacher At Berkner High School. Richardson ISD confirmed his employment after his arrest. [CBS Texas] [Texas Scorecard]
Fouse Was In His Sixth Year At Berkner. Richardson ISD told parents that Fouse had worked at the school for six years. [Texas Scorecard]
Fouse Has Held A Texas Physical Science Teaching Certificate Since 2020. State certification information cited in current reporting identifies his credential in physical science. [Texas Scorecard]
The District Said Fouse Passed Required Background And Certification Checks Before He Was Hired. Richardson ISD included that information in its communication to Berkner families following the arrest. [Texas Scorecard]
Richardson ISD Places Fouse On Leave
Fouse Was Immediately Placed On Administrative Leave. Richardson ISD said it removed him from his duties as soon as administrators learned about the criminal case. [CBS Texas] [Texas Scorecard]
The District Reported The Arrest To The Texas Education Agency. Richardson ISD said it made the state report required in connection with the allegations. [Texas Scorecard]
Fouse Was Removed From Berkner’s Staff Directory By August 31. Updated reporting said his name no longer appeared on the school’s staff page three days after his arrest. [Texas Scorecard]
District Says It Knew Of No Previous Conduct Concerns
Richardson ISD Said It Was Not Aware Of Prior Concerns About Fouse’s Conduct While He Worked For The District. Administrators disclosed that information while asking families to report anything that might be relevant to the police investigation. [Texas Scorecard]
The District Asked Parents To Speak With Their Children. Richardson ISD encouraged Berkner High School families to share any potentially relevant information with Richardson Police. [Texas Scorecard]
Richardson ISD Said It Would Take Additional Action Based On The Investigations. The district said it would continue cooperating with police and follow its established procedures as the criminal and personnel matters develop. [CBS Texas]
Case Status
Fouse Is Free On Bond While The Case Proceeds. As of September 1, 2026, he has been released on $20,000 bond following his arrest on one felony charge. [Texas Scorecard]
Police Have Announced One Criminal Charge. No additional charges, indictment, guilty plea, dismissal, trial or sentencing have been publicly reported. [Richardson Police]
The Online Solicitation Charge Has Not Been Proven In Court. Fouse remains accused rather than convicted while Richardson Police continue the investigation. [CBS Texas]
One of the first political bloggers in the world, Oliver Willis has operated OliverWillis.com since 2000. Contributor at Media Matters for America and The American Independent. Follow on Twitter at @owillis. Full bio.
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