TAMPA, Fla. – A teacher from Greco Middle School was arrested by Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office Tuesday.
Deputies say they began investigating James Michaud (28), on Saturday after the parents of the 13-year-old victim filed a complaint against the Greco Middle School AVID teacher.
Deputies say Michaud sent explicit messages to the victim through social media several times. Michaud, 28, turned himself in at the Orient Road Jail.
After further investigation into Michaud’s social media, detectives determined there was evidence he sent explicit messages to other minors. Detectives are working to determine if they are also Greco Middle School students.
“It’s sickening to know an adult, entrusted to educate & mentor our children, abused his position to prey on this young victim,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister in a tweet, “We are thankful for the victim’s parents who spoke up & possibly prevented other students from being taken advantage of.”
Michaud was charged with Authority Figure Soliciting or Engaging in Lewd Conduct with a Student, Transmission of Harmful Materials to a Minor, and Unlawful Use of a Two Way Communication Device.
Detectives are urging any other students who may be victims or anyone with information relevant to this case to call Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office at (813) 247-8200.