Odessa Firefighter and College Instructor Accused of Child Sex Crimes

ODESSA, TX — A firefighter and adjunct college instructor in Odessa has been arrested on multiple child sex crime charges, including sexual assault of a child and possession of child pornography, police announced Thursday.

Cory Shane Castillo, 33, faces charges of Sexual Assault (second-degree felony), Child Grooming (third-degree felony), and Possession of Child Pornography (first-degree felony). According to the Odessa Police Department, Castillo’s arrest followed an investigation that began when the parents of a 17-year-old high school student raised concerns about their child’s behavior.

Ector County ISD police initially reviewed the case and determined that no crime had occurred on school property. They then referred the investigation to OPD, who uncovered what they described as an inappropriate relationship between Castillo and the teen, which reportedly began when the child was 16.

Police say Castillo met the victim through his employment as an adjunct instructor at Odessa College and through his position with Odessa Fire/Rescue.

The fire department was notified of the allegations and immediately placed Castillo on unpaid administrative leave.

Odessa police said the investigation is ongoing and more charges may be filed.