HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – Deputies have arrested a Hillsborough County middle school teacher after investigators discovered he had been sending inappropriate messages to a former teenage student.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office took 31-year-old Christian Schneider into custody on Friday, August 14, 2026. Schneider works as a teacher at Memorial Middle School.
Detectives initially launched a criminal investigation into Schneider on July 28, 2026. According to investigators, Schneider sent inappropriate communications to a teenager he had previously taught at Franklin Middle School. During questioning, Schneider told deputies that the inappropriate contact with the victim began in 2023.
“Teachers hold a position of trust that comes with enormous responsibility,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. “When that trust is exploited, it’s not just a crime; it’s a violation of everything our schools are supposed to stand for. Detectives will continue investigating these cases aggressively, and anyone who abuses their position with a child will be held accountable.”
Schneider is charged with two counts of solicitation or possession of child sexual abuse material and one count of unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
The Sheriff’s Office stated that the investigation remains active and updates will be released as they become available.
READ: Wanted Felon Arrested In Brandon Following Vehicle and Foot Pursuit
Please make a small donation to the Tampa Free Press to help sustain independent journalism. Your contribution enables us to continue delivering high-quality, local, and national news coverage.
Sign up: Subscribe to our free newsletter for a curated selection of top stories delivered straight to your inbox.
