RIVERVIEW, Fla. (WFLA) — A substitute teacher was arrested by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office after two students caught him pleasuring himself in a classroom during his lunch break.
Harvey Cole, 26, was a former substitute teacher at BridgePrep Academy in Riverview.
On May 13, officials said two students walked in on Cole and reported the incident. The school then reported it to law enforcement the next day.
Cole was placed on administrative leave as deputies investigated the incident.
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On Wednesday, a warrant was issued for Cole’s arrest and he was taken into custody on charges of lewd and lascivious exhibition.
“This man’s actions are utterly reprehensible and a complete violation of the trust placed in educators. Teachers are entrusted with the safety and well-being of our children, and this individual has not only failed in that duty but has also engaged in behavior that is both shocking and intolerable,” Sheriff Chad Chronister said. ‘We will not allow anyone who preys on our youth to escape justice.”