Head Start worker jailed on indecency charges

A Kyle man accused of touching three children inappropriately while employed by Head Start has been released from custody.

Mark Anthony Ortega, Jr., 29, was arrested March 20 and released from jail the next day on a $10,000 surety bond. He was charged with three counts of indecency with a child, second degree felonies.

Court documents say Ortega was a substitute teaching assistance at the Head Start based at Uhland Elementary earlier this year. A deputy took a report March 8 after a child made outcry.

All three children have been interviewed, as has Ortega.

Ortega has no prior criminal record in Hays County.

Head Start, which provides early childhood education, health, nutrition and parent involvement services to low-income children and their families, is administered by the federal department of Health and Human Services.