Gaither High School art teacher arrested for abusing students

TAMPA, Fla. – A former art teacher at Gaither High School in Tampa was arrested after he was accused of sexually assaulting a student, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.

According to deputies, 46-year-old Brian Singleton had been a full-time art teacher at Gaither High School and the Hillsborough County Public Schools system since 2017.

Singleton reportedly committed these crimes between September and December 2023. According to reports, the youth was bullied by him while he was attending school.

He was placed on administrative leave in December 2023. He then resigned from his position at the school in March 2024, according to the sheriff’s office. In a statement, a Hillsborough County Schools spokesperson said he was removed from the classroom as soon as allegations were received.

“We are disheartened by the allegations against this individual,” the spokesman said. “The safety and well-being of our students is always our top priority.”

It is unclear when the sheriff’s office began investigating Singleton.

Deputies said Singleton turned himself in on May 9, not long after a warrant was issued for his arrest.

He is charged with two counts of sexual assault by a familiar or custodial authority and one count of inciting a sexual act with a child by a familial or custodial authority.

“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 in a statement Explanation. “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.”

The sheriff’s office asks anyone with information about this case or who believes they may have been a victim of Singleton to contact police at 813-247-8200.

Anyone suffering from violence issues is urged to seek help. The Tampa Bay Crisis Center can connect people to resources and information during traumatizing events or in situations where general counseling is needed. Call 211 to reach the center.