A 31-year-old teacher at a charter school in Orange County allegedly confessed to molesting students, as well as masturbating in his classroom numerous times during school hours, according to an arrest affidavit.
Court records indicate that the teacher faces charges of lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious conduct and false imprisonment of a child.
The St. Cloud man was being held without bail in the Orange County Jail on Thursday.
Records show the investigation into the man started Feb. 27, after after a school staff member reported the man to police.
One of the alleged victim’s, an 11-year-old girl, told police she went to the man’s classroom in late February for first aid after injuring her hand, but said the man wouldn’t let her leave the room.
According to the affidavit, the man “placed both his hands on either side of her head” and stared at her “saying nothing.”
The girl told detectives she was afraid the man would rape her. She said the man eventually let her go.
Another alleged victim, a 12-year-old girl, told police the man told her to come to his classroom for extra help with her schoolwork, but locked the door once she was inside.
He allegedly massaged the girl’s upper thighs and then picked her up and and hugged her.
The man then let the girl leave, according to reports.
The man allegedly confessed after being confronted by detectives. He apparently told them he was sexually attracted to his students, and said he had masturbated alone in his classroom on 20 to 30 occasions.
Detectives claim he also confessed to behaving sexually with both of the girls detectives had interviewed as well as others.
The man was jailed Wednesday evening.
According to the affidavit, he also told detectives that he had resigned from his last teaching job, at a high school in South Florida, after he was caught asking a 17-year-old student from one of his classes out on a date.
Accusations of inappropriate sexual behavior with a child is a very serious matter. These accusations will often lead to a criminal investigation and will likely result in criminal charges against the accused, which can result in a loss of or suspension from employment.
As soon as you learn of accusations that you have had inappropriate contact with a child, you must act fast. Even if there have only been rumors floating around, you must contact a criminal defense lawyer as soon as possible for further information and advice on what to do. A Florida Child Molestation Defense Lawyer at Whittel & Melton can help you tackle a sex crimes accusation or charge. We can communicate on your behalf early on so that nothing you say gets twisted around to be used in the prosecution’s favor. For a free initial consultation, please call us today at 866-608-5529 or contact us online. We can begin helping you right away.