TAMPA, Fla. — Deputies arrested a 42-year-old Carrollwood Day School teacher accused of sexually battering a student.
Investigators recently learned of evidence against Jaime Melton, an English teacher at the school located on West Bearss Avenue, and arrested her Sunday on a charge of sexual battery, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said in a news release on Sunday.
The alleged incident reportedly happened earlier in the month.
"This woman was a trusted member of this community who was responsible for the education and well-being of students, instead she violated that trust," Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement.
"As a parent, I am disgusted and hope she faces the full consequences of her actions."
In a statement, the school said its employees are focusing on the safety and well-being of its students, including the victim.
"Ms. Melton has had an unblemished teaching record and we have not had any concerns about her conduct prior. Ms. Melton has been suspended from her position immediately," read a letter to the school community, in part.
Deputies say they believe the incident appears to have only happened to one student, but anyone with additional information is encouraged to contact the sheriff's office at 813-247-8200.
Editor's note: The spelling of Jaime Melton's name has been updated. The news release from the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office provided a different spelling.