I was 22 and my wife had been 17 for a week the first time we went out. Nine years later, we're married and extremely happy. Don't make blanket statements, folks...
I guess Rocket River and I (and the original poster) are the only ones bothered by the fact that the 22 year old allowed his Dad to publicly refute "rumors" that were actually true. He's now pulled his family into a really stupid situation, and they're the ones most likely to suffer the consequences. If the 22 year old has any class, he'll go to the headmaster of the school, come clean and then emphasize that he has kept the relationship hidden from his family. In my opinion, he should also end the relationship immediately - it is neither age nor work appropriate (even if he doesn't work there anymore).
If/when they break up, even if they've never had sex, the girl can still accuse him of statutory rape and everyone will believe her. Personal embarrassment, familial embarassment, familial alienation by the school, intra-family distrust, possible prosecution. Or, maybe they'll get married, have 13 children, and live happily ever after.
What he is doing is illegal. Do the right thing: http://www.dfps.state.tx.us/Contact_Us/report_abuse.asp
Word...oh wait... I'm cool with the age difference, but not with her being underage...Call me old fashioned, but he can wait until she's 18...At 16, she has a lot of growing up to do, IMHO... Maybe he is in love with her, but if you love someone, set it free and if it comes back to you...oh nevermind...
It seems that if he quit the school and her parents are aware of the situation, then he should be ok.
