JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The dean of students at IDEA River Bluff Charter School in Arlington was arrested on multiple charges, including sexual battery.
James Lewis Tellis, 27, was fired from his position after the school learned about his off-campus arrest in connection to an “alleged incident involving a minor.”
According to a spokesperson for the school, the incident did not happen on campus or involve a student who attended the charter school.
The spokesperson also said that the incident appeared to have happened before his employment with the school.
Tellis faces charges of sexual battery, soliciting a child via computer, offenses against students by authority, and unlawful use of a two-way communications device.
IDEA Public Schools provided this statement to News4Jax:
On the morning of July 26, IDEA Jacksonville was made aware of the off-campus arrest of an employee in connection with an alleged incident involving a minor. Based on the information provided by law enforcement, there is no indication that the alleged incident involved an IDEA student. Our understanding is that this occurred prior to his employment at IDEA River Bluff. The employee was immediately terminated, and we are fully cooperating with law enforcement. The safety of our students is our highest priority. Any conduct that compromises safety is unacceptable and will be met with swift action. While we cannot share further details due to the ongoing investigation, we have taken all appropriate legal steps. All IDEA employees undergo thorough state and federal criminal background checks and must pass to gain employment. Even so, ongoing vigilance, accountability, and a culture of safety remain essential. We remain committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment. As always, please confirm and refer any further questions to law enforcement as this is an ongoing investigation.
IDEA Public Schools
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