Tampa teacher arrested for inappropriate student relationship

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – A former art teacher at Gaither High School was arrested for an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said Friday.

The sheriff’s office arrested 46-year-old Brian Singleton on charges of sexual battery and solicitation of sexual conduct with a child after police said he “preyed on a student under the guise of authority.”

Singleton was hired by Hillsborough County Public Schools as a full-time art teacher at Gaither High School in February 2017. According to the sheriff’s office, the alleged assault occurred between September and December 2023.

Singleton was placed on leave in December 2023 and resigned from his job in March 2024.

An arrest warrant was issued for Singleton on Thursday and he turned himself in later that day, the sheriff’s office said.

“I am disturbed by the actions of this man who was trusted to be responsible for the well-being of students, but instead he chose to abuse that trust and take advantage of a student under the guise of authority,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “As a parent, I understand the concerns of those who hear about this situation. Rest assured that our detectives will relentlessly pursue those who exploit and harm others in our community.”

Anyone with information about the case or who believes they may have been a victim of Singleton is asked to call the sheriff’s office at 813-247-8200.