Jason Troche, a 34-year-old music teacher at Music Showcase in Brandon, Florida, was arrested on September 16, 2022, for sexual battery of his 15-year-old student. According to media sources, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office released a statement that Mr. Troche had sexual contact with the 15-year-old multiple times from June to September during their weekly music lessons. The teen's father signed the 15-year-old up for guitar lessons back in March. Troche admitted to investigators that he knew the victim was underage and had non-consensual sexual relations with the teen. Troche also sent inappropriate messages through social media to the victim.
Chad Chronister of the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office stated, "It's upsetting that a person put into a position of trust and care for one of our children has violated that trust with his disgusting actions." The manager at Music Showcase told the media that Troche had subsequently been fired and stated:
"We are shocked and saddened to hear about Mr. Troche's actions. Mr. Troche has been terminated from Music Showcase. We are investigating the allegations and intend to aid and fully comply with law enforcement in their investigation. Until our investigation is complete, we have no further comment."
Schools are educational institutions in which children should be able to learn and develop skills in a nurturing environment. It is expected that they are safe from violence, bullying, harassment, and sexual abuse. Teachers and coaches are entrusted to facilitate learning and support the educational needs of their students. Someone who sexually violates young children has no place working in the school system. Any school where such a crime is committed should take responsibility if they fail to properly screen potential teachers and protect their students.
Horowitz Law is a law firm representing victims and survivors of sexual abuse in schools and other educational settings. If you or a loved one was sexually abused, raped, or sexually molested by a principal, teacher, or another school employee, contact our law firm at 888-283-9922 or e-mail sexual abuse lawyer Adam Horowitz at adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com for a free consultation.