Joel David Gould, a fifth-grade teacher at Ocala Christian Academy in Ocala, Florida, has been arrested after allegedly using his cellphone to photograph underneath a female student's skirt during recess.
According to media reports, Gould, 34, allegedly admitted to taking the photographs when questioned by investigators. Gould was arrested on October 27, 2026, and charged with digital voyeurism.
Ocala Christian Academy, which is affiliated with Central Baptist Church, has since terminated Gould's employment. Police are investigating whether additional students may have been victimized.
Facts and Allegations Against Joel Gould
According to media reports, the investigation revealed the following:
- October 23, 2026: The alleged incident occurred during recess at Ocala Christian Academy.
- Witness account: A witness reportedly observed Gould holding his cellphone underneath a female student's skirt while she stood on a picnic table beside him.
- Student's account: The student told investigators she felt something touch her leg several times before realizing Gould's cellphone was positioned beneath her skirt with the camera pointed upward.
- Police report: The student's parents contacted the Ocala Police Department on October 27 after learning about the incident.
- Alleged admission: When interviewed by investigators, Gould reportedly admitted to taking photographs underneath the student's skirt.
- Arrest and charges: Gould was arrested on October 27 and charged with felony digital voyeurism involving a person in a position of trust or authority.
According to Marion County court records, Gould appeared in court on October 28, 2026, and his arraignment is scheduled for December 1, 2026.
Ocala Christian Academy Terminates Teacher Following Arrest
After Gould's arrest, Ocala Christian Academy and Central Baptist Church confirmed they terminated his employment.
According to news reports, school officials said they removed Gould from contact with children and terminated his employment after learning of the police report. The school also said Gould is prohibited from returning to church or school property or contacting students.
The academy said it is cooperating with investigators and has offered counseling and pastoral support to the student and her family.
According to another media report, the Ocala Police Department is concerned there may be additional victims and is encouraging anyone with information about Gould or possible inappropriate conduct involving him to come forward.
Ocala Christian Academy released the following statement:
"As a Christian ministry, Central Baptist Church and Ocala Christian Academy are heartbroken to learn that Mr. Joel Gould, a now former teacher at the academy, was arrested in connection with alleged misconduct involving a student. The safety and well-being of the children entrusted to our care is our highest priority. We are praying for the student and the student’s family, and we are grateful for the family’s courage in coming forward and reporting the matter to law enforcement. Counseling and pastoral support are available to the student and family."
Can Ocala Christian Academy Be Held Liable for Teacher Sexual Misconduct?
Schools have a responsibility to take reasonable measures to protect students from sexual abuse, exploitation, and inappropriate conduct by teachers and other employees.
When a teacher is accused of sexual misconduct involving a child, questions may arise about whether the school had appropriate safeguards in place, whether administrators received prior complaints or warning signs, and how the institution responded to suspected misconduct.
Depending on the circumstances, a civil investigation may examine the school's hiring and screening practices, employee supervision, child-protection policies, and response to allegations of inappropriate conduct.
Whether Ocala Christian Academy, Central Baptist Church, or another party could face civil liability would depend on the specific facts, applicable law, and whether any negligence contributed to the alleged harm. Gould's arrest alone does not establish wrongdoing by the school or church.
Horowitz Law Is Here to Help
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing survivors of sexual abuse. We have handled multiple cases of sexual abuse by authority figures in schools.
Schools are expected to provide a safe environment where children can learn and develop free from violence, harassment, and sexual abuse. Teachers and other school employees are entrusted with protecting students and maintaining appropriate boundaries. Anyone who sexually exploits a child violates that trust, and schools may be held accountable when their negligence contributes to the harm.
If you or a loved one experienced sexual abuse or inappropriate sexual conduct involving Joel Gould, Ocala Christian Academy, or another teacher or school employee, contact Horowitz Law at 888-283-9922 or email sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz for a free consultation.