A South Plantation High School teacher is facing a felony charge after police say he engaged in an inappropriate romantic relationship with a student, according to an arrest affidavit released by Plantation Police.
Christopher George Santanelli, 42, was arrested on Thursday and charged with authority figure engaged in a romantic relationship with a student after investigators said they uncovered evidence of ongoing personal contact, gift-giving and physical interactions while the student was enrolled at the school.
Arrest affidavit details alleged relationship between Broward teacher and student
According to the arrest affidavit, the investigation began after police were alerted on Dec. 22, 2025, to a possible relationship between Santanelli, a chorus teacher at South Plantation High School, and a student. The student told police the relationship became romantic in nature after she turned 18 years old and included frequent private conversations, gifts and physical contact such as hugging and kissing.
The affidavit states the student reported receiving multiple gifts from Santanelli, including Disney-themed items, jewelry and food, and said they often spent time alone together in areas of the school such as the chorus room office or library, locations she described as having limited visibility. Investigators also documented text messages and social media communications exchanged between the two, as well as a handwritten note allegedly given to the student by Santanelli expressing personal affection.
Police said the student told investigators that while there was no sexual intercourse, the relationship included repeated kissing, back rubs and emotional intimacy. The affidavit further alleges Santanelli discussed personal issues with the student, including problems in his marriage and family life, and asked her to keep the relationship secret…