Kissimmee, FL – A former teacher at an Osceola County school was arrested Wednesday on multiple child exploitation charges, just days after resigning from his position.
Teacher’s Arrest Follows Resignation from Local School
Mark Harden, 58, was taken into custody by St. Cloud Police and is facing charges including promotion and depiction of sexual conduct by a child, unlawful use of a two-way communication device, and ten counts of possession of sexual conduct by a child. Harden had previously worked at Zenith Accelerated Learning Academy, according to the Osceola School District.
Search Warrant Leads to Disturbing Evidence
Detectives secured a search warrant for Harden’s home on Georgia Avenue on October 3, where they recovered electronic devices that police say contained hundreds of images and videos depicting the sexual exploitation of children.
Investigation Triggered by August Tip
Police report the investigation began after the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office received a tip in August and forwarded it to the St. Cloud Police Internet Crimes Against Children unit. An affidavit alleges that Harden traded illegal materials online and secretly took photographs of children and adults without their knowledge. Some of those images reportedly included students from the school and contained sexual remarks about their bodies.
Bond and Victim Outreach
Harden remains in custody on a $26,000 bond. St. Cloud Police urge anyone who believes they, or their child, may be a victim to call 407-891-6700.
Holding Schools Accountable: Legal Paths for Families After Teacher Abuse
When allegations surface against an educator accused of harming students, families are often left uncertain about what steps to take next. In this interview, our team sat with veteran sexual abuse lawyer Michael Haggard to discuss the legal options available to parents and survivors, the difference between criminal and civil actions, and how legal action can drive systemic accountability within schools.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: When a teacher faces accusations like these, what steps can families take if they believe their child was harmed?
Michael Haggard, Esq.: Families can pursue both criminal and civil routes. The criminal case is handled by prosecutors, but parents can file civil lawsuits against the teacher and potentially the school district if negligence is involved—especially if there were warning signs or prior complaints that were ignored…