News Summary

Christopher Ford, a teacher at Bartram Trail High School, was arrested for allegedly engaging in inappropriate conduct near minors at a local beach. Witnesses reported disturbing behavior involving Ford and young girls aged 10 to 12. Following multiple complaints, he was taken into custody by police. Ford has been placed on paid leave while an investigation is ongoing, and his termination is likely to be recommended at the upcoming school board meeting. This incident raises serious concerns about child safety and staff conduct within the school community.

St. Augustine Beach Teacher Arrested for Alleged Indecent Exposure

A 29-year-old teacher from Bartram Trail High School, Christopher Ford, was arrested by the St. Augustine Beach Police Department on Saturday for allegedly engaging in inappropriate behavior in front of minors. Ford is accused of masturbating in proximity to young girls aged 10 to 12 while they were swimming at a local beach. The arrest follows multiple complaints from parents who expressed alarm over Ford’s conduct.

Reports indicate that Ford approached the minors and lingered close enough that the actions of waves pushed one of the children into him. Witnesses described the situation as disconcerting, raising serious concerns about the safety of children around him. Following a 911 call detailing the incident, police intervened and took Ford into custody.

In the wake of his arrest, Ford was placed on paid leave while the investigation continues. The St. Johns County Schools Superintendent is expected to recommend his termination at the upcoming school board meeting scheduled for September 9th. This incident marks a significant concern for the Bartram Trail community, as Ford is the third employee from the school to face legal issues in just three years.

Allegations and Response

Ford has denied all allegations against him, claiming that no inappropriate behavior occurred. He suggested that it was merely a coincidence that witnesses identified him during the incident. However, multiple eyewitnesses contradicted his claims, providing testimony that corroborated the accounts of inappropriate conduct with minors.

Parents at the beach were understandably upset, with one parent expressing deep concern over the implications of having educators accused of such serious offenses. Observers, including a chaperone from North Carolina who was supervising a group of foreign exchange students, confirmed that Ford’s behavior was alarming and out of line.

Recent History of Inappropriate Conduct

This incident is not an isolated case for Bartram Trail High School. In the past three years, there have been two other notable arrests involving school employees. Last month, Lucas Worsham, another teacher, was arrested for soliciting prostitution online. Additionally, Tylar Reagan, a former coach, was arrested in 2022 for sexually assaulting students and was later convicted in 2023. Such repeated incidents have prompted a strong reaction from the school community and raised serious questions about staff conduct at the school.

The school district is taking these allegations seriously and has committed to investigating the matter thoroughly. The board’s decision regarding Ford’s employment will be made during the upcoming meeting, reflecting the community’s desire for accountability and a safe environment for students.

Potential Impact on the Community

The allegations against Ford have sent shockwaves through the St. Johns County community, leading to discussions about child safety and the importance of vigilant oversight of educators. Parents and local residents are advocating for stricter policies to ensure that situations like these do not arise in the future. The school district’s response to this incident and others will be closely monitored by the community seeking to rebuild trust in their educational institutions.

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Author: STAFF HERE MILWAUKEE WRITER

MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER The MILWAUKEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREMilwaukee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Milwaukee, Milwaukee County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Summerfest, Milwaukee Film Festival, and the Milwaukee Boat Show. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Metropolitan Milwaukee Association of Commerce and Visit Milwaukee, plus leading businesses in manufacturing and brewing that power the local economy such as Harley-Davidson and MillerCoors. As part of the broader HERE network, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Wisconsin's dynamic landscape.

St. Augustine Beach Teacher Arrested for Indecent Exposure