On Sunday, September 11, 2022, Jamie Melton, a Tampa school teacher, was arrested and charged with sexual battery by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office. According to news reports, the 42-year-old English teacher at Carrollwood Day School, located at 1515 W. Bearss Ave. in Tampa, was under investigation after deputies recently received a report that Melton was having sex with a student earlier this month. The sheriff's report states that detectives developed probable cause one day before Melton's arrest. Details about the incident are unknown, but investigators are looking to see if there could be other victims.
In a statement released by the school, they tout and said its employees are focusing on the safety and well-being of its students, including the victim.
"Ms. Melton has had an unblemished teaching record, and we have not had any concerns about her conduct prior. Ms. Melton has been suspended from her position immediately," read a letter to the school community.
Melton previously taught at Bloomingdale High School as an English teacher for 10 years. She also is certified in English and ESOL, received her Bachelor of Arts in English from Florida Atlantic University, and earned her Master of Arts in Curriculum and Instruction from Nova Southeastern University. In addition, Melton was also a collegiate athlete during her time at FAU.
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 in which 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 send an e-mail to sexual abuse lawyer, Adam Horowitz, at adam@adamhorowitzlaw.com for a free consultation.