Latest news with #AjaniMcPherson
Yahoo
13-05-2025
- Yahoo
Palm Bay substitute teacher used Instagram to message underage student, police say
The Brief Ajani McPherson, 27, used "vanish mode" on Instagram to send a nude picture to an underage student, police said. McPherson admitted to knowing the student's age and sending the photo, according to an arrest affidavit. PALM BAY, Fla. - A Palm Bay substitute teacher has been arrested after he allegedly shared an inappropriate photo of himself with a female student. Ajani McPherson, 27, used "vanish mode" on Instagram to send a nude picture to an underage student, police said. Why you should care Newly released court documents outline the conversation between Ajani McPherson and the underage student. According to a police affidavit, McPherson admitted to knowing the student's age and sending her a nude photo. The student recorded the messages on another phone and reported McPherson to the School Resource Officer. According to the affidavit, on May 8, McPherson began messaging the student on Instagram. McPherson allegedly asked the student if she had a boyfriend. Police stated the student asked McPherson if he knew how old she was, to which he replied yes and told her he was 27. McPherson continued messaging with the student, allegedly sending a message stating he wanted to tell her something, but she couldn't tell anyone. At that point, investigators said the student agreed to put the conversation on "vanish mode" and that's when McPherson allegedly sent the student a fully nude photo of himself. Vanish mode on Instagram lets people send each other disappearing messages, photos, videos and other content which then disappears when vanish mode is turned off or someone leaves the chat. In vanish mode, you cannot copy, save, or forward messages and if a screenshot is taken, the other user receives a notification. What they're saying Tech expert and co-founder of the company Jason Thatcher, says vanish mode causes messages to be automatically deleted. "Once the session ends, the whole message will disappear. Very similar to like a signal and different messaging apps," said Thatcher. "It's both a privacy and a security feature as well to make sure no one can go back and look at that chat." Thatcher says since the messages disappear, vanish mode can create concerns for parents trying to keep their children safe online. "The one thing I stress is that it's always okay to come to Mom and Dad and vocalize if you're ever in danger, have a concern, or something weird," said Thatcher. "Having that safe communication path with your kids, It's really important in this day and age." STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source A Palm Bay Police affidavit states what conversations were allegedly exchanged between McPherson and the underage student. Instagram's website provides an explanation as to what vanish mode does. Tech expert and co-founder of the company Jason Thatcher, explains why vanish mode is used and why it could be concerning for parents protecting their kids.
Yahoo
11-05-2025
- Yahoo
Palm Bay substitute teacher arrested for allegedly sharing inappropriate photo of himself with female student
The Brief A Palm Bay substitute teacher has been arrested after he allegedly shared an inappropriate photo of himself with a female student. Ajani McPherson, 27, was arrested on Friday at Palm Bay Magnet High. McPherson is facing felony charges and is being held in the Brevard County Jail with a bond set at $52,500. BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. - A Palm Bay substitute teacher has been arrested after he allegedly shared an inappropriate photo of himself with a female student. What we know Brevard Public Schools officials confirmed with FOX 35 News on Saturday that a substitute teacher at Palm Bay Magnet High was arrested on Friday on the school's campus. Officials said the man was arrested after he allegedly shared a nude photo of himself with a female student. The school leaders have identified the man as 27-year-old Ajani McPherson. What we don't know It is currently unclear how young the female student that was shown the picture is. Officials have not clarified if there could be other possible victims. What they're saying Brevard officials said McPherson was not a coach, was "not a regular substitute teacher" and had not been with the school for even a month when the arrest happened. They said he is no longer employed by Brevard Public Schools. "We are deeply troubled by these accusations and (are) working closely with law enforcement as they conduct their investigation," school officials said in a prepared statement. "These actions are a tremendous violation of trust." What's next Records show McPherson is facing felony charges and is being held in the Brevard County Jail with a bond set at $52,500. FOX 35 News has reached out to the Palm Bay Police Department for more information on the investigation. This is a developing story. Check back later for more updates. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO: Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines FOX Local:Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV The Source This story was written based on information shared by Brevard Public Schools in an email on May 10, 2025, as well as information gathered from the Brevard County Jail.
