This browser does not support the Video element.
Teacher accused of inappropriate student contact
A Marion County high school teacher was arrested Monday after admitting to putting his hand around a student's throat. A female student, who is a minor and will remain unnamed, told a faculty member at Lake Weir High School that 50-year-old Fred Anderson, a teacher at the school, had allegedly inappropriately spoken to her and touched her.
ORLANDO, Fla. - A Marion County high school teacher was arrested Monday after admitting to putting his hand around a student's throat.
A female student, who is a minor and will remain unnamed, told a faculty member at Lake Weir High School that 50-year-old Fred Anderson, a teacher at the school, had allegedly inappropriately spoken to her and touched her.
According to the Marion County Sheriff's Office report, the victim claimed Anderson had allegedly put his hand around her throat and said "I'd kiss you if we weren't in a room", along with other inappropriate statements.
Booking photo of Fred Anderson (Credit: Marion County Sheriff's Office)
The victim also told officials this was allegedly not the first time Anderson had spoken to her in a "sexual way".
During an interview with law enforcement, Anderson admitted to putting his hand around the victim's throat, describing it as "jokingly and playfully".
Anderson stated that he did not have any reason for putting his hand around the victim's neck and does not recall saying anything inappropriate to her.
Anderson is currently being held in the Marion County Jail and has been charged with simple battery.
The Marion County Sheriff's Office Public Information Officer, Zach Moore, expressed the severity of this incident in an interview with FOX 35, "It is very serious because it's a teacher in position of authority and there should be trust and respect for students…it's our most precious resource in this county and for someone to take advantage of that and to threaten this juveniles safety is unexceptable".
Marion County Public Schools (MCPS) shared with FOX 35 that Anderson was hired in 2020 as a math teacher and he has never had any disciplinary action in the past.
According to MCPS, Anderson is currently on paid administrative leave, which is normal procedure, pending the outcome of the MCPS investigation.
This story will be updated as more information is provided.
The Source: The information in this article comes from the Marion County Sheriff's report of this incident and was shared with FOX 35 News.
STAY CONNECTED WITH FOX 35 ORLANDO:
- Download the FOX Local app for breaking news alerts, the latest news headlines
- Download the FOX 35 Storm Team Weather app for weather alerts & radar
- Sign up for FOX 35's daily newsletter for the latest morning headlines
- FOX Local: Stream FOX 35 newscasts, FOX 35 News+, Central Florida Eats on your smart TV