A Sarasota teacher was arrested for having an inappropriate relationship with her 17-year-old student at Sarasota Military Academy High School, located on Orange Avenue. Michele Little, 29, was charged with several felonies, including, Indecent, Lewd, or Lascivious Touching of Certain Minors. According to media reports, on April 25, 2023, Sarasota Police were notified after school officials heard rumors about the misconduct. Michele Little was placed on administrative leave by the school pending investigation.
Reports say that the male student told the police officers that his teacher, Michele Little, made sexual comments to him on multiple occasions for several weeks. On April 17, 2023, the student said he went to Little’s classroom during lunch, and Little put a sign stating testing/tutoring on the door so that no one else would enter. The student asked the teacher what she was doing after school that day. Little said she was cleaning her room, and the student jokingly asked if he could help. Little agreed and said yes to his offer. The student returned to the classroom after school, and Little had the door propped open with a pencil so the door wouldn’t lock and he could enter. When the student entered the classroom, Little closed the blinds on the door and the student logged on to a computer in case someone walked in. The student said he was on the computer, and he and Little “made out” for 10 to 15 minutes before the student left the classroom.
Sarasota Military Academy High School sent the following statement to faculty, parents, and students:
“The High School administration was made aware of an alleged incident that happened between a staff member and student that is being investigated by the Sarasota Police Department. We have come to learn that an arrest was made by the Sarasota Police Department, and any updates regarding this case will be released by the SPD.”
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 [email protected] for a free consultation.