Teacher accused of engaging in sex acts with minor student on school property

RIVERVIEW, Fla. (TCD) — A 22-year-old teacher was arrested for allegedly engaging in a “romantic relationship” with a minor student.

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said that beginning in February 2023, Paige Morley arranged to meet with the male student “after school hours through various school sanctioned events.”

The events reportedly took place on the school premises, where the suspect and victim would “engage in sexual acts.”

The Sheriff’s Office said Morley was arrested on charges of lewd or lascivious battery, lewd or lascivious molestation, lewd or lascivious exhibition, authority figure soliciting or engaging in a romantic relationship with a student, and sexual battery.

Morley reportedly worked as a teacher for Winthrop College Preparatory Academy, a charter high school that enrolls students in grades 9 through 12. The website no longer lists her as a teacher.

In a statement, Sheriff Chad Chronister said, “It is unfathomable how a trusted member of our community could abuse the power and position they were given.”

Chronister continued, “This woman was entrusted to educate students and be a positive influence. Instead, she is a disgrace. As a father, I empathize with parents who are learning of this, and I appreciate the school’s cooperation during this investigation.”