A coach at a Central Florida high school was arrested on multiple charges after allegedly having sexual encounters with a 16-year-old student.
According to reports, last January, a 43-year-old man who worked as a supplemental coach at West Port High School in the Marion County Public Schools district reportedly started talking to a 16-year-old student. They allegedly spoke to each other on the phone and communicated through text messages. Their connection reportedly intensified, and the coach allegedly asked the young woman to be his Valentine. The pair allegedly continued to talk, and by the end of the summer, they reportedly made plans to hang out together.
Someone became suspicious of the situation and on January 17, they reported their concerns to a school resource officer. The authorities were notified, and the Ocala Police Department talked to the 16-year-old about what happened. She reportedly told them she and the coach kissed, in addition to having sexual relations in his car.
The man was taken into custody and transported to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office. He is facing multiple preliminary charges including one felony count of unlawful sexual activity with minors, one felony count of offenses against students by an authority figure, one felony count of traveling to meet a minor to engage in unlawful sexual activity, and one felony count of use of a two-way communication device to facilitate a felony.
On January 18, the man attended his first hearing, and the judge approved his request for a public defender. He was released on Sunday after posting bond.
It was reported that in addition to being banned from campus, the suspect has also lost his job at the high school.
If you or someone you love is suspected of a criminal offense, contact Orange County criminal defense lawyer Staycie R. Sena at (949) 477-8088 for a consultation now.