Retired Florida teacher, still volunteering at local high school, charged with soliciting minor for sex

Detectives with the Volusia Sheriff’s Office report arresting a retired teacher from Florida’s New Smyrna Beach High School.  Following his arrest, the former teacher, who currently volunteers at the New Smyrna Beach High School campus, was charged with soliciting a minor for sex.

James Benefield, 61, of Oak Hill, Florida, was arrested on the afternoon of June 16 by detectives from the Sheriff’s Office’s Child Exploitation Unit.

Detectives began their investigation this week after being alerted by a family member of the juvenile female victim about a possible sex offense.

When detectives confronted Benefield with the allegation of soliciting the minor for sex, he admitted to having the conversation with the juvenile.

The suspect is known to the victim, but not through his current role as a volunteer at New Smyrna Beach High School.

Benefield was arrested at home Tuesday and transported to the Volusia County Branch Jail. He is charged with soliciting sexual activity with a child, child abuse and providing false information to law enforcement officers during a felony investigation.

As of the evening of June 15, Benefield remained behind bars with no bail allowed.

The police investigation into Benefield’s activities are continuing. Anyone who believes they may have been victimized by this defendant or others is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office Child Exploitation Unit at (386) 323-3574.

(Cover image: Mugshot of James Benefield, Image credit / source: Volusia Sheriff’s Office)

Posted by: Richard Webster, Ace News Today   /   Follow Richard on Facebook and Twitter