PINELLAS PARK, Fla. — A Pinellas Park school campus monitor was arrested for engaging in sexual activity with an underage teen girl Thursday, the Pinellas Park Police Department said in a news release.
Demetrious Jones was charged with sexual battery and transported to the Pinellas County Jail, officers said.
Jones reportedly works at Richard O. Jacobsen Technical High School in Seminole. On Wednesday, officers were notified of sexual activity happening in a car at a local apartment complex.
Once they arrived, officers noticed a 15-year-old girl walking away from Jones's car before he left the area, according to the department. Through an investigation, officers learned the teen girl was a student at the high school and that Jones had been engaging in sexual activity with her for an unspecified period.
During an interview with detectives on Thursday, Jones admitted to being in contact with the girl but denied any sexual activity, according to the department. Based on their evidence, officers arrested Jones and charged him with sexual battery.
Pinellas Park Police Chief Adam Geissenberger stated in the release that Jones' alleged actions "represent a profound violation" of trust within the school system.
"This crime not only harms the victim but also shakes the confidence of parents, students, and the community at large," Geissenberger stated. "We are committed to pursuing justice in this case, ensuring that those who abuse their power to exploit vulnerable individuals are held accountable under the law."
The investigation is still ongoing, according to the police department.