Tampa charter school teacher arrested for touching students

TAMPA, Fla. – A teacher at a Tampa charter school was arrested after he allegedly touched a student inappropriately and sent him offensive text messages, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said.

Johnathan Sheppard, 38, was arrested Monday for actions he reportedly committed at Henderson Hammock Charter School in Tampa during the 2023-2024 school year.

Few details have been released about Sheppard’s specific actions, but the sheriff’s office said he faces charges including two counts of a person in authority inciting or engaging in a romantic relationship with a student and lewd or lascivious molestation of a child between the ages of 12 and 15 as an authority figure over a student.

“This man’s despicable actions toward a student while holding the trusted position of a teacher are abhorrent,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “It is infuriating to know that someone responsible for the education and well-being of students is taking advantage of our most vulnerable, our children.”

Sheppard wasn’t the only person arrested during the investigation.

The sheriff’s office said investigators learned that 48-year-old Theresa Cruz, a Hillsborough County Public School security officer assigned to the charter school, interfered with the school’s initial investigation into the allegations.

Cruz reportedly hindered the investigation by sharing details about the school case with Sheppard.

Because of this, Cruz was arrested and charged with two counts of tampering with a witness and obstruction.

“This individual was trusted with the safety of students and abused that trust,” Chronister said in a statement. “Her willingness to help this criminal means she will now face the serious consequences of her actions.”

The sheriff’s office is asking anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Sheppard to contact Hillsborough County sheriff’s deputies 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.