Former Edna A.D. sentenced to probation

By Jessica Coleman 

Contributing Writer

Former Edna ISD Athletic Director Jerry Don Long was convicted on Thursday of having an improper relationship with a student, almost five years after his arrest.

The former educator and coach agreed in a plea deal to serve four years probation, to permanently surrender his teaching certificate, and to have no contact with his victim or relatives thereof. He also agreed to pay various fees and court costs. Failure to uphold these terms could result in four years in the Texas Department of Criminal Justice.

Long appeared alongside his attorney, Stephen Cihal, and admitted in front of Judge Eli Garza to soliciting a student via text message, with the intent to meet her in person for sexual contact.

Long was hired in 2017 as Athletic Director at Edna ISD, a tenure that ended abruptly in April of 2019 with his resignation and arrest. He has been out on a $50,000 cash bond.