Central Florida music teacher arrested for inappropriate relationship with student

A 26-year-old music teacher at Grace Christian School in central Florida for having an inappropriate relationship with a student.

This month, Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office detectives were notified of a case of sexual abuse by an authority figure involving a confidential, pregnant 18-year-old victim.

Denzel Proctor, 26, a former music teacher at Grace Christian School in Valrico near Tampa, began an inappropriate relationship with the then 16-year-old victim in 2022.

During an interview with investigators, the victim revealed that she had a sexual relationship with Proctor both on and off campus between 2022 and 2024, as a result of which she became pregnant.

Proctor resigned from Grace Christian School in December 2023. After Proctor’s departure, rumors of the allegations were reported by the school to the Department of Children and Families.

That month, a warrant was issued for Proctor’s arrest and he was arrested without incident.

“This man abused a vulnerable youth and betrayed the trust of our community. Such betrayal is especially devastating when it comes from someone expected to act as a mentor,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “I hope this victim can overcome the trauma this man caused and utilize the resources available to her.”

Anyone with information about this case or who believes they may have been a victim of Proctor is asked to call the HCSO at 813-247-8200. According to local police, this is still an active investigation.