A Central Florida substitute teacher has been taken into custody, according to local law enforcement.
The suspect was employed as a temporary substitute by Kelly Services.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested Emmanuel Sanchez, 32, of Lakeland, after multiple students at two Polk County middle schools reported inappropriate behavior by him while he was serving as a substitute teacher.
According to police authorities, a 13-year-old student at Kathleen Middle School informed staff that the substitute teacher, described as “Mr. Jeremiah,” sat next to her with his thigh touching hers. He then rubbed his hand up her thigh, telling her she was gorgeous, had lovely eyes, and he liked her physique. Detectives examined seven other students who were present in the classroom at the time, and their comments corroborated the victim’s allegation. The substitution was later recognized as Sanchez.
During the ongoing investigation, police obtained two new disclosures from Lake Gibson Middle School concerning two 12-year-old male pupils. The students reported Sanchez’s unwanted touching and statements. Two other students informed officers that Sanchez was clearly erect around other students in the classroom.
Last month, detectives spoke with Sanchez at his Lakeland home. He described the middle school girl in detail, verified that the episodes in her complaint occurred, but denied touching her. He also verified that he preferred to be addressed as “Jeremiah,” the name he used in class. He disputed the incidents involving the boys.
Sanchez will again not work as a substitute or in any other position in Polk County Public Schools, according to the district.
“This is disgusting behavior,” Superintendent Fred Heid declared. “We expect substitute teachers and anyone who works with students to safeguard them and behave appropriately. We will always work with law enforcement to ensure the safety and well-being of our students and keep people like this out of our schools. “Thank you, Polk County Sheriff’s Office.”
Emmanuel Sanchez was arrested and accused with lewd and lascivious behavior toward a minor. The investigation continues. Anyone with additional information should call the Polk County Sheriff’s Office.
“This is highly inappropriate and disgusting behavior by a substitute teacher,” Sheriff Grady Judd stated. “He was plainly exploiting his position as a teacher to prey on this pupil. We are evaluating his previous encounters with other students. We encourage other students to speak up if they have been inappropriately approached or groped by this individual. We want to ensure that he is held accountable and does not have this kind of access to other children.”