HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. — Deputies say they arrested a high school teacher in Hernando County on Wednesday after he was accused of battering a student.
On Friday, a student from South Sumter High School told officials at the school about inappropriate communication and physical contact from a teacher, the Sumter County Sheriff's Office said in a news release.
Authorities say they then launched an investigation and found that Jason Sager unlawfully talked to the student through a social media app after school hours. Deputies also say the 48-year-old engaged in illegal touching with the student.
Law enforcement says a witness they were interviewing regarding Sager's actions was another person who was unlawfully touched by him.
Deputies in Hernando County then served an arrest warrant on Sager Wednesday night where he was taken into custody and booked in jail.
Sager is charged with two counts of transmission of harmful material to a minor and four counts of battery. His bond was set at $14,000.
The Sumter County Sheriff's Office says anybody who has information about the 48-year-old's illegal actions is urged to contact them.
The Sumter County School District released the following statement to 10 Tampa Bay:
"On Friday, November 11, 2022, the Sumter School District received notification from the Sheriff’s Office that a criminal investigation was underway involving a teacher at South Sumter High School, Jason Sager. Mr. Sager was immediately removed from all student contact, and placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
Since that time, the sheriff’s investigation led to an arrest warrant being issued. Due to the serious nature of the allegations. Mr. Sager will remain on leave and will have no student contact pending board action.
The safety of students is the highest priority of our District and we are appalled by the charges against Mr. Sager. We will be fully cooperating with law enforcement and working with the school and students to provide any needed assistance."
