MANATEE COUNTY, Fla. — A substitute teacher is facing charges after alleged inappropriate behavior with minors in Hillsborough and Manatee counties.
The Manatee County Sheriff's Office says a tip received through FortifyFL on Oct. 31 said that 39-year-old Joseph Prevatte was sending inappropriate messages to a high school student in the county.
The school informed the Florida abuse hotline of the tip, which is when the Department of Children and Families and MCSO detectives began investigating. The school board immediately prevented Prevatte from working teaching jobs in the district pending the outcome of the investigation.
Investigators say Prevatte sent messages back and forth with the student on Instagram for a few weeks, with some messages allegedly using a sexual undertone.
Deputies also report that Prevatte sent a photo of himself unclothed, with his genitalia area cropped out.
MCSO charged Prevatte with soliciting or engaging in lewd conduct with a student. He was arrested in Hillsborough County, where he lives, on Friday, Nov. 8.
Later in the investigation, Manatee County deputies discovered that HCSO was also investigating Prevatte for an inappropriate relationship involving a student at Lennard High School.
Hillsborough County deputies say Prevatte sent inappropriate messages and performed sexual acts with the student.
On Tuesday, Prevatte was arrested again by Hillsborough County officials for lewd or lascivious battery and harmful explicit communication to a minor.
“The actions of this man are despicable. I am proud of the diligent work of our detectives, who followed every lead to bring this individual to justice,” Sheriff Chad Chronnister said in a statement. “As a father, I can’t imagine the concerns this news brings. Please rest assured that teamHCSO will do everything possible to hold accountable those who prey on our children.”
Authorities are still investigating as they believe more victims may be involved. Anyone with information is asked to contact MCSO at 941-747-3011.