Odessa Fire/Rescue Employee, College Instructor Arrested for Child Grooming, Victim was 16

The Odessa Police Department (OPD) has arrested 33-year-old Cory Shane Castillo on multiple charges related to the sexual assault of a child. Castillo, who was employed as an adjunct instructor at Odessa College and a firefighter/employee with Odessa Fire/Rescue, faces charges of Sexual Assault (F2), Child Grooming (F3), and Possession of Child Pornography (F1).

The investigation began when the parents of a 17-year-old high school student grew suspicious of their child’s behavior and immediately contacted ECISD police. While ECISD police determined no crime occurred on school property, they promptly transferred the case to OPD.

Through an intensive investigation, detectives uncovered that Castillo had been in an inappropriate relationship with the victim since the child was 16 years old. This relationship developed through Castillo’s roles as an adjunct instructor and an employee for Odessa Fire/Rescue.

Odessa Fire/Rescue was notified of the ongoing investigation and quickly placed Castillo on unpaid administrative leave. The Odessa Police Department has extended its gratitude to OFR, Odessa College, and ECISD Police for their cooperation in this sensitive case.

The investigation is ongoing, and authorities anticipate more charges.