Latest news with #FortifyFL
Yahoo
10-06-2025
- Yahoo
Crestview High School teacher arrested for alleged sexual relationship with student in early 2000s
OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. (WMBB) — A longtime teacher in Okaloosa County has been arrested and charged following an investigation into an alleged sexual relationship with a student that began more than two decades ago. Timothy John Sexton, 58, a current teacher at Crestview High School and former teacher at Pryor Middle School, was taken into custody Tuesday morning at his home in Holt. The arrest was carried out by the Okaloosa County Sheriff's Office (OCSO) and the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force. According to the OCSO, Sexton is accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a female student between April 2001 and July 2005. Investigators say the relationship began when the victim was 14 years old and continued until she was 17. Sexton faces charges of sexual battery by a person in custodial authority and sexual battery involving a victim between the ages of 12 and 18. He is currently being held at the Okaloosa County Jail without bond. The investigation began in late March 2025 after the sheriff's office and the Okaloosa County School District received a tip through the FortifyFL app, a platform designed to report suspicious activity in Florida schools. Interviews with the victim and other witnesses ultimately led investigators to establish probable cause for Sexton's arrest. 'There is no expiration date on seeking justice for victims,' Sheriff Eric Aden said in a statement. 'This arrest underscores our unwavering commitment to pursuing the truth, no matter how much time has passed. We are proud of the work done by our investigators and encourage anyone who has been a victim to come forward.' The Okaloosa County School District confirmed Sexton had been placed on administrative leave following the initial report and will now be recommended for suspension without pay pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings. 'Our teachers are held to the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and integrity when it comes to the safety and well-being of our students,' Superintendent Marcus Chambers said in a statement. 'Despite the significant time that has passed, if the allegations against this employee are substantiated, we will respond swiftly and appropriately. This is a zero-tolerance issue.' The school district said it had immediately notified the Florida Department of Children and Families and the sheriff's office upon receiving the FortifyFL report. No additional details about the victim are being released due to the nature of the charges. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
21-05-2025
- Yahoo
LCSO: Rickards student arrested for Instagram mass shooting threat
Just days before the end of the school year, a student at Rickards High School was arrested May 19 after allegedly posting a video on Instagram threatening a mass shooting at the school, according to the Leon County Sheriff's Office. A tip about the video was received on May 15. The student, whose identity has not been released due to their juvenile status, has been charged with Written or Electronic Threats to Kill or Conduct a Mass Shooting. The student was taken into custody and transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center. 'The Leon County Sheriff's Office, in coordination with Leon County Schools, treats all threats toward schools with the highest level of concern,' the agency said in a statement. 'We remain committed to investigating any potential threats and ensuring the safety of students and staff.' Authorities emphasized that all threats are taken seriously, regardless of their perceived credibility, and urged parents and guardians to speak with their children about the severe consequences of making such statements — even as jokes. The Sheriff's Office also reminded the community about the availability of the FortifyFL app, which allows students and residents to anonymously report suspicious activity. Tips can also be made by calling 850-922-KIDS. The arrest is the second at Rickards in less than two weeks. A 17-year-old student was arrested and charged with battery on a school official on May 7. The teen was involved in a verbal altercation in the school's courtyard which prompted school staff to intervene, including a security guard and administrator. The student refused to go to the front office when instructed by the administrator. After the administrator attempted to escort her, the student resisted and began to punch the school official in the face repeatedly, according to LCSO. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: LCSO: Rickards student arrested for Instagram mass shooting threat
Yahoo
20-05-2025
- Yahoo
LCSO: Rickards student arrested for Instagram mass shooting threat
Just days before the end of the school year, a student at Rickards High School was arrested May 19 after allegedly posting a video on Instagram threatening a mass shooting at the school, according to the Leon County Sheriff's Office. A tip about the video was received on May 15. The student, whose identity has not been released due to their juvenile status, has been charged with Written or Electronic Threats to Kill or Conduct a Mass Shooting. The student was taken into custody and transported to the Juvenile Assessment Center. 'The Leon County Sheriff's Office, in coordination with Leon County Schools, treats all threats toward schools with the highest level of concern,' the agency said in a statement. 'We remain committed to investigating any potential threats and ensuring the safety of students and staff.' Authorities emphasized that all threats are taken seriously, regardless of their perceived credibility, and urged parents and guardians to speak with their children about the severe consequences of making such statements — even as jokes. The Sheriff's Office also reminded the community about the availability of the FortifyFL app, which allows students and residents to anonymously report suspicious activity. Tips can also be made by calling 850-922-KIDS. The arrest is the second at Rickards in less than two weeks. A 17-year-old student was arrested and charged with battery on a school official on May 7. The teen was involved in a verbal altercation in the school's courtyard which prompted school staff to intervene, including a security guard and administrator. The student refused to go to the front office when instructed by the administrator. After the administrator attempted to escort her, the student resisted and began to punch the school official in the face repeatedly, according to LCSO. This article originally appeared on Tallahassee Democrat: LCSO: Rickards student arrested for Instagram mass shooting threat
Yahoo
15-05-2025
- Yahoo
Police find loaded handgun in student's backpack at Wellington-area elementary school
WELLINGTON — School police found a loaded handgun at Panther Run Elementary on May 15 after a student reported finding it in their backpack, according to a statement from the school's principal. It is the third incident involving guns or ammunition in Wellington-area schools since April, although none resulted in a shooting. Officers on April 17 arrested two Wellington High students after finding bullet casings in their backpacks. A week before that, police arrested two Polo Park Middle School students on April 10 for allegedly exchanging threatening messages about a person on campus. Risa Suarez, Panther Run's principal, said in a letter to parents that a student reported finding a "dangerous item" in their backpack to an adult on its campus along Lake Worth Road west of State Road 7. Police recovered the loaded handgun without disrupting to the school day. Immigration crackdown: He played Jesus on Good Friday. Ten days later, he was deported. "It was not displayed or used in a threatening manner," Suarez wrote in the email. "The safety of our students remains my highest priority, and Florida law strictly prohibits firearms on schools." The Palm Beach Sheriff's Office is investigating the incident alongside school police, according to Suarez's email. She said the student is now subject to consequences outlines on the school's Student Code of Conduct. Suarez encouraged families to make a regular practice of checking their children's backpacks each morning. She added the FortifyFL app is a valuable tool to report school safety concerns anonymously. Valentina Palm covers Royal Palm Beach, Wellington, Greenacres, Palm Springs and other western communities in Palm Beach County for The Palm Beach Post. Email her at vpalm@ Support local journalism: Subscribe today. This article originally appeared on Palm Beach Post: Guns in schools: Police find loaded weapon in Florida student's bag
Yahoo
14-03-2025
- Yahoo
14-year-old Lakewood Ranch High student arrested for making shooting threat on Snapchat: Deputies
The Brief A 14-year-old Lakewood Ranch High School student was arrested for making a school shooting threat on Snapchat. Manatee County deputies said they received a tip through the Fortify FL app about a shooting planned at the school for Friday. Records from Snapchat helped deputies link an email address and phone number to the student, which led to his arrest. LAKEWOOD RANCH, Fla. - A 14-year-old Lakewood Ranch High School student was arrested Thursday afternoon after making a school shooting threat on Snapchat, according to deputies. Dig deeper The Manatee County Sheriff's Office said they received a tip through the Fortify FL app that indicated a shooting was planned at the school for Friday, March 14. It prompted several students to speak up to school staff about concerning comments posted on Snapchat. Follow FOX 13 on YouTube Deputies said they began investigating and got records from Snapchat that included an email address and phone number linked to the 14-year-old, who was not identified by FOX 13 due to his age. Detectives said they arrested the student at the school after confirming his cellphone number. He was arrested on two charges, including making written threats to kill and disrupting a school function. STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 13 TAMPA: Download the FOX Local app for your smart TV Download FOX Local mobile app:Apple |Android Download the FOX 13 News app for breaking news alerts, latest headlines Download the SkyTower Radar app Sign up for FOX 13's daily newsletter
