A Pasco County charter school employee has been placed under unpaid administrative leave after she was arrested Friday, for allegedly having sex with two teens.
The 45-year-old woman held a clerical position at the school, according to reports.
Investigators believe that the woman had sex with a 14-year-old boy in the backseat of her car while one of the boy’s friends drove them around last December.
The sheriff’s office also alleges that she had sex with a 17-year-old boy, but did not say when that took place.
Detectives did say that none of the teens were students at the school where she works.
Detectives claim they are currently working to determine if there are other alleged victims.
Officials at the school released this statement:
“It is with great sadness that we notify you that one of our employees has been placed on unpaid administrative leave pending the outcome of an allegation involving inappropriate contact with high school male students outside of Dayspring Academy. According to the information provided by the Pasco Sheriff’s Office, NO Dayspring students were involved… The woman’s position was that of a clerical position and she did not have direct contact with Dayspring students. We are truly saddened and pray for all parties involved. We will provide updates as information becomes available. Student safety is our top priority and we strive every day to maintain a safe, caring learning environment. Thus, any allegations will be treated seriously.”
The woman is charged with one count of lewd and lascivious battery and one count of unlawful sexual activity.
She is currently being held on $100,000 bond.
When false allegations of sexual misconduct involving a minor challenge everything you have worked to build in your career as a teacher or other professional, you must take appropriate action to get the strong defense that you need and deserve. A misinterpreted touch, text or conversation should not be what destroys everything you have devoted your life to creating.
If you have been accused of sexual misconduct with a student or teen, it is likely that you will be suspended from your position while an investigation is conducted. It does not matter whether the student or teen consented to physical interactions; Florida law criminalizes sexual contact between adults and minors regardless of consent.
If you are an educator, coach, school administrator or hold any other position that works closely with children or teens and have been accused of a sex crime, please call a Florida Sex Crimes Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton at 813-221-3200 for a free consultation. We can help you understand what to expect after charges are filed and what your best options for defeating them are.