TBO.com - TBO is Tampa Bay Online

Sarasota Teacher Charged With Sexual Battery On Student

ADVERTISEMENT

By TODD RUGER and LATISHA R. GRAY of the Sarasota Herald Tribune

Published: December 27, 2007

SARASOTA COUNTY - A Pine View School teacher was arrested today on charges he sexually battered a 17-year-old student.

Dennis Johnson, 27, a seventh grade social studies teacher, remained in the Sarasota County Jail on no bond this evening.

Johnson was put on administrative leave pending the outcome of the criminal case, Pine View Principal Steven Largo said.

Largo sent a message to parents through the school's phone system at about 5:30 p.m. He said the message assured parents that "our primary concern is the welfare of the students."

Johnson is charged with unlawful sexual activity with a minor and sexual battery, a felony that carries a prison sentence up to 15 years if convicted.

The investigation had gone on for a few days while the school was closed for winter break, and Largo said sheriff's office investigators called him today to break news of the arrest.

"It certainly was shocking," Largo said.

Johnson was also one of the sponsors of the school's Model United Nations Club and the contact was likely made through that club, Largo said.

Pine View was Johnson's first teaching job, Largo said.

Pine View is a public school for intellectually gifted students, grades 2-12 in Osprey.

Share this:

Loading Comments...

Email Print

ADVERTISEMENT