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Hidalgo Early College High School Principal Rafael Tinoco returned to work Monday after a Hidalgo County grand jury no-billed him, according to the district.
Hidalgo police arrested Tinoco in March on a charge of witness tampering.
A probable cause affidavit for his arrest alleged that Tinoco told a coach at the district to change a statement he made about an alleged assault of a student.
Those allegations did not hold water in front a grand jury.
Last month, Tinoco filed a $20 million federal lawsuit against the city and a coach at the district, alleging that his constitutional rights had been violated in a “false arrest.”
“Principal Rafael Tinoco has been found innocent of the charges that were maliciously alleged against him. The criminal case against Principal Rafael Tinoco has now ended in his favor,” a statement released over the weekend by Tinoco’s attorney read.
In the statement, Tinoco thanked his supporters in the district and his family and said he “looks forward to returning to work to end the 2023 school year with the Hidalgo I.S.D students, staff, and parents.”
A release from the district saying charges against Tinoco had been dismissed also heartily endorsed that return to work.
“The Hidalgo ISD Board of Trustees and District Administrators eagerly anticipate his return, as it reaffirms our unwavering commitment to the education and well-being of our students,” it read. “Our focus remains firmly on providing an environment that fosters academic growth and personal development for every student in our care. We look forward to continuing our work that makes Hidalgo ISD the place to be!”
A response to the federal lawsuit filed by the city defendants last week largely denied allegations and asked for Tinoco to take-nothing in the suit.
