Former teacher arrested on several charges of having inappropriate relations with a student
On November 19, the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) headquartered in West Bradenton, Florida, along with law enforcement partners the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) in Tampa, released reports regarding the arrest of a substitute teacher that’s been charged with having an inappropriate and sexual relationship with a student.
Officials arrested a former Hillsborough and Manatee County substitute teacher on Nov. 8 after he sent inappropriate messages to a high school student. ~ Sarasota Herald Tribune
Between October 1 and 3, 2024, Joseph Prevatte, 39, was a substitute teacher at Lennard High School. Through investigative means, detectives discovered that Prevatte sent inappropriate messages and engaged in sexual interactions with a student at the school.
On October 31, a tip was received through FortifyFL (the mobile app that allows users to report suspicious activity at schools to law enforcement and school officials) alleging a substitute teacher was sending inappropriate messages to a high school student in Manatee County. The school notified the FL abuse hotline of the tip and DCF and MCSO detectives began investigating the allegations. The school board immediately prevented Prevatte from working teaching jobs within the district pending the outcome of the investigation.
On November 18, 2024, Prevatte was arrested and charged with one count of Lewd or Lascivious Battery and one count of Harmful Explicit Communication to a Minor.
During the investigation, detectives learned that Prevatte was a suspect in an investigation by the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office, where he was a substitute teacher at a Manatee County high school. He was charged with one count of Soliciting or Engaging in Lewd Conduct with a Student.
“The actions of this man are despicable. I am proud of the diligent work of our detectives, who followed every lead to bring this individual to justice,” said HCSO Sheriff Chad Chronister. “As a father, I can’t imagine the concerns this news brings. Please rest assured that teamHCSO will do everything possible to hold accountable those who prey on our children.”
Anyone with information on this case, or if someone believes they may have been a victim of Joseph Prevatte, please call HCSO at 813-247-8200. The Sherriff’s Office also confirmed that this investigation remains active and ongoing.
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(Sources; Manatee County Sheriff’s Office and Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office
(Cover photo, Joseph Prevatte mugshot, Image credit MCSO)\
Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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