TAMPA, Fla. — The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said a teacher was arrested for engaging in sexual activity with a minor.
On June 17, 2024, deputies said they responded to an incident at a Marathon gas station on North Parsons Ave in Tampa. Deputies said Vernon White Jr., 31, had given a ride to a 17-year-old and then the victim and White Jr. performed sexual acts with each other.
Investigators spoke to White who admitted to giving the victim a ride but denied having any sexual activity. HCSO said DNA tests confirmed sexual activity did occur.
According to HCSO, White Jr. had been a teacher at Idea Hope Charter School in Tampa since 2021. He had no disciplinary history during his time there. The victim was not a student at Idea Hope.
Idea Hope Public Schools released this statement following the arrest:
"IDEA Hope is aware that a staff member was arrested on campus for an off-campus incident not involving any IDEA students. We are working in collaboration with law enforcement and taking appropriate actions in accordance with the law and network policy. IDEA takes these allegations seriously and is committed to prioritizing the safety and well-being of staff and students. As this is an ongoing investigation, we cannot comment further. All questions should be directed to the Hillsborough Police Department."
White Jr. was arrested on March 6, 2025. He was charged with unlawful sexual act with a minor, lewd or lascivious touching of a minor 16 or 17 years of age by persons 24 years of age or older.
The investigation is ongoing.
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