HERNANDO COUNTY, Fla. – Hernando County Sheriff’s detectives received information regarding inappropriate instant messages being sent to a 14-year-old student by a Hernando County school teacher.
Detectives obtained written consent from an adult to search the 14-year-old victim’s computer.
After reviewing thousands of messages, detectives learned the teacher had constantly been messaging the victim for several months. There was very little response and/or interaction from the victim.
Upon interviewing the victim, detectives learned the messaging began when the victim was a student at Powell Middle School, where the suspect was a teacher.
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The victim told detectives the conversations were “weird” considering the age difference between the two and the fact that the suspect initiated contact daily.
The victim also told detectives they felt bad ending the conversations, as the suspect had cancer and the victim was the suspect’s “only friend.”
Detectives confirmed the conversations took place via text message, Snapchat, and PlayStation.
Detectives learned the teacher, identified as George Beall, had just started a new position at Nature Coast Technical High School and responded there to interview him.
Incidentally, the victim was slated to attend school at Nature Coast Technical High School this year.
Beall confirmed communicating with the victim via text message, Snapchat, and PlayStation, stating they communicated about “anything and everything” and confirmed exchanging photographs of themselves with each other.
When questioned about specific messages and memes Beall had sent to the victim, Beall stated he had no recollection of the messages that contained sexual overtones.
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On Beall’s cell phone, detectives located numerous GIFs and emojis that had been sent to the victim. The GIFs and emoji’s contained hearts and references of love.
The behavior demonstrated by Beall is consistent with predatory behavior.
“Detectives noted the obvious one-sidedness of the conversations, with Beall sending numerous messages to the victim and the victim responding some time later with one-word responses. Detectives also noted that Beall would become upset when the victim failed to respond or was not interested in playing games on the PlayStation and/or chatting with him,” said Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.
“It should be noted, upon contact with representatives from the Hernando County School District, Beall was immediately removed from student contact and placed on administrative leave by the school district,” said HCSO.
On Wednesday, detectives arrested George Beall, 33, charging him as follows:
– Transmission of Harmful Material to a Minor
– Unlawful Use of a Two-Way Communication Device
– Bond – $5,000.
There is no indication of other victims; however, the investigation continues.
If any parent or care giver has information regarding inappropriate communication or interaction between Beall and a child in their care, please get in touch with the Hernando County Sheriff’s Office.
Hernando County Crime Stoppers / Anonymous Tips
If you have information on this case, please get in touch with Hernando County Crime Stoppers. You will remain anonymous!
Hernando County Crime Stoppers can be reached by phone at 1-866-990-TIPS (8477) or **TIPS from a cell phone.
You may also submit your tip via the internet at http://www.hernandocountycrimestoppers.com .
You will remain anonymous and also be eligible for a reward up to $5,000 cash.
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