HAINES CITY, Fla. — A former math teacher who "briefly" taught at Haines City High School was arrested and charged with sexual battery on an underaged student, according to the Haines City Police Department.
Investigators say a 17-year-old girl's father called 911 after she told him she was upset about rumors of a relationship between her and the teacher circulating around the school.
The girl reportedly told police that the teacher, 25-year-old Jeremiah Stringer, met her in his classroom on Oct. 7, an early dismissal day when fewer students were on campus. She said he kissed and grabbed her before she performed oral sex on him, according to investigators.
During an interview, Stringer admitted to exchanging text messages with the student that could be perceived as "flirty" but denied having sex with the girl, the department wrote. They say, however, Stringer attempted additional acts.
Investigators say lab tests confirmed Stringer's DNA was found on the girl's clothing. After receiving confirmation of the test on Nov. 2, police arrested Stringer at his Winter Haven home.
He is charged with custodial sexual battery on a victim older than 12 but younger than 18, a first-degree felony.
On Facebook, police shared a statement that Haines City High School sent to parents.
According to the statement, Stringer was fired in October by Polk County Public Schools after the high school learned he "may have had inappropriate contact with a student." The school added it encourages people who may have more information about the alleged crime to contact Haines City police as soon as possible.
You can read the school's full statement below or by clicking here:
“Dear families,
This message is being sent on behalf of Haines City High School. We need to inform you about an incident involving a former employee at our school. Jeremiah Stringer, who briefly taught math at HCHS this year, has been arrested by police and charged with having sexual contact with a student. Mr. Stringer was terminated by PCPS in October after we learned that he may have had inappropriate contact with a student. We have been cooperating fully with law enforcement during their investigation, and will continue to do so. This behavior is absolutely unacceptable and violates the trust we place in our educators. If anyone has additional information to report we encourage you to contact the Haines City Police Department. Thank you.”