News Summary
Christopher Ford, a teacher at Bartram Trail High School, was arrested for allegedly engaging in inappropriate behavior in front of minors at St. Augustine Beach. The police received multiple complaints concerning his actions, including allegations of masturbating near young girls. Following the incident, Ford has been placed on paid leave, and the school district plans to address his termination. This incident adds to a troubling pattern of legal issues involving school staff, raising serious concerns among parents about the safety of students.
St. Augustine Beach – Christopher Ford, a 29-year-old teacher at Bartram Trail High School, was arrested by the St. Augustine Beach Police Department on Saturday for allegedly engaging in inappropriate behavior in front of minors. Ford is accused of masturbating near a group of girls aged 10 to 12 at the beach, prompting multiple complaints from parents concerned about his actions.
The incident unfolded when witnesses reported Ford approaching young girls and lingering near them as they played in the water. One incident involved a child being pushed into Ford by incoming waves, leading parents to express alarm over his behavior. The police received a 911 call reporting the conduct, which led to Ford’s arrest.
In the wake of the accusations, Ford has been placed on paid leave while the investigation continues. St. Johns County Schools Superintendent has indicated that he plans to recommend Ford’s termination at the upcoming school board meeting on September 9th. This arrest marks a troubling trend at Bartram Trail High School, as Ford is the third staff member to face serious legal issues in recent years.
Last month, another teacher named Lucas Worsham was arrested after being accused of soliciting prostitution online, and in 2022, former coach Tylar Reagan was arrested and later found guilty of sexually assaulting students. These incidents have raised concerns not only among parents but also within the broader school community about student safety and the conduct of employees.
Witnesses interviewed by investigators included parents and guardians, including one from North Carolina who was chaperoning foreign exchange students. Their accounts were pivotal in corroborating the allegations against Ford, as they described his actions as inappropriate and unsettling.
Following his arrest, Ford denied the allegations, claiming he did not engage in any indefensible conduct and suggesting that the identification of him by witnesses was coincidental. Nevertheless, the seriousness of the claims and the surrounding circumstances have led to further scrutiny of his behavior and that of the school’s staff.
The St. Augustine Beach Police Department has stated that the investigation is ongoing, and they are taking the allegations seriously. Community members have expressed their shock and concern, with some parents stating that incidents like this make them wary of letting their children participate in school activities or visit public places unsupervised.
Given the serious nature of the accusations and the previous charges against staff members at Bartram Trail High School, school officials are under pressure to ensure the safety of their students and maintain a secure educational environment. This incident has highlighted the need for vigilant monitoring of staff behavior and reinforced the importance of comprehensive background checks for employees working with children.
As the legal proceedings move forward, both the school district and the St. Augustine Beach community await further developments. Ford’s termination will be addressed in the upcoming school board meeting, and the outcome of the police investigation remains to be seen as authorities work to determine the full scope of the allegations.
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Additional Resources
- Action News Jax: St. Johns County Teacher Arrested
- SJ Citizen: Bartram Trail High School Teacher Accused
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- Google Search: Teacher Arrested Lewd Behavior
Author: STAFF HERE INDIANAPOLIS WRITER
INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER The INDIANAPOLIS STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREIndianapolis.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Indianapolis, Marion County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Indianapolis 500, Indy Jazz Fest, and the Indiana State Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Indy Chamber and Visit Indy, plus leading businesses in motorsports and healthcare that power the local economy such as Indianapolis Motor Speedway and IU Health. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Indiana's dynamic landscape.
