Hernando school employee accused of raping student

BROOKSVILLE (FOX 13) - A Hernando County school employee is under investigation for allegedly raping a minor.

The employee, 34-year-old Marcus Wells was an in-school-suspension monitor who regularly had contact with students. According to Hernando County arrest records, Wells faces four charges of sexual battery by a custodian on a child between 12- and 18-years-old.

Sheriff Al Nienhuis says deputies began their investigation after another student reported something was happening between Wells and the female victim.

An arrest report states Wells sexually battered the student at least eight times inside a classroom at Fox Chapel Middle School. Deputies did not reveal the exact age or grade of the victim.

Wells has also been a coach of several sports at Fox Chapel as well as volunteering with Grace World Church for its youth music camp.

Hernando County Schools Superintendent Dr. Lori Romano said district officials took immediate action against Wells when the allegations were reported Monday. Wells was isolated from students while deputies investigated. He is no longer a school district employee.

"We will not tolerate behavior that puts our students at risk. We hope that the actions of this one individual will not sully the integrity of the many wonderful and hard working staff of the Hernando County School District," said Dr. Romano.

Deputies say it's possible there are more victims. They're asking anyone with information to contact them.

Wells is being held on $80,000 bond. If he bonds out he will have to wear a GPS monitor and is not allowed to have unsupervised contact with minors.