BRADFORD COUNTY, Fla. — A former Bradford County teacher is accused of sexual conduct and an offense against a student.
Matthew Dawson Watson, 27, turned himself in Monday morning on charges of Transmission of Sexual Conduct over Computer, and Offense Against Student by Authority Figure, the Bradford County Sheriff’s Office said in a Facebook post.
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A warrant was issued for Watson on Friday, BCSO said.
Deputies stated that the incident occurred in late December, when Watson was a teacher at Bradford Middle School.
The incident was reported to a school employee on Feb. 12, and Watson “was immediately placed on administrative leave,” BCSO said.
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Deputies stated Watson resigned from the Bradford County School District before he was arrested.
He is currently being held in the Bradford County Jail on a $500,000 bond.
The Bradford County School District released the following statement on Watson’s arrest:
“We have been made aware of the recent arrest warrant involving a former Bradford County School District employee. The district was made aware of the allegations of off-campus misconduct regarding this teacher several months ago. At that time, the district took immediate and decisive action according to board policy. The teacher was promptly removed from classroom, placed on administrative leave, and is no longer working for the Bradford County School District. We fully support the efforts of law enforcement and are committed to transparency and accountability throughout this process. We are committed to a safe, respectful and supportive environment in all of our schools and we will continue to uphold our responsibility to protect that trust.”
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