Former dean of Southern Methodist University’s law school, John Attanasio, was arrested in Collin County, Texas on Sunday on misdemeanor charges of prostitution.
Attanasio, 60, served as the dean of SMU’s Dedman School of Law from 1998 until 2013. He currently serves as a professor and the chairman of constitutional law at the school.
According to his warrant, Attanasio responded to an ad on backpage.com posted by an undercover officer. He then met the undercover officer at the Aloft Frisco Hotel, where he agreed to pay $100 for specific sexual acts. Attanasio was taken into custody at the hotel, booked at the Collin County jail and later released on a $500 bond.
According to the DailyMail, Attanasio is married and has two grown sons.
SMU spokeswoman, Kimberly Cobb, issued the following statement:
“Professor Attanasio will not teach his class this week. SMU will gather information and follow university procedures to determine any appropriate under its policy in such matters.”
According to his bio, Attanasio has received a number of achievements over the course of his career, including a Fulbright scholarship and an Outstanding Faculty Member Award from Notre Dame Law School.
The Department of Public Safety said no additional details will be released, as this is part of an ongoing investigation.