OVIEDO, Fla. – A Hagerty High School teacher was arrested on allegations of having sexual contact with a 16-year-old girl.
Michael Scott Fitzwater, 40, of Chuluota, was arrested Sunday on one count of unlawful sexual contact with a minor. Fitzwater is an Exceptional Student Education teacher at the Oviedo school, according to Hagerty's website.
District officials said that means he either teaches gifted or special needs students. The Seminole County Sheriff's Office said the student victim does not have special needs.
According to SCSO, investigators were contacted Sunday after a woman discovered inappropriate text messages being sent between her daughter, who attends Hagerty High, and Fitzwater.
Deputies said an investigation uncovered that Fitzwater had inappropriate sexual contact with the girl the previous day at his house.
Investigators said they're now looking into the possibility of additional victims.
Derek Horstmeyer told Local 6 Fitzwater is a great neighbor.
"(He's a) great family guy, great around my kids, no issues whatsoever, so to hear that -- it's quite shocking," he said.
Fitzwater was booked into the John E. Polk Correctional Facility on $15,000 bond. At his first appearance, the judge kept Fitzwater's bond at $15,000 and ordered him to have no contact with minors and to not return to Hagerty High School.
Fitzwater posted bond at 4:35 p.m., records show.
Officials said Fitzwater has been with the district since 2009 and hasn't had any previous disciplinary incidents. He has been suspended with pay, but district officials said they will recommend to terminate him.
The arrest marks the second sexual contact accusation of a Hagerty High School teacher in several months. Another teacher was arrested on charges of sexual contact with a student in May.
The district said all staff are instructed thoroughly about not having inappropriate relationships with students.
Anyone with information about Fitzwater is urged to call the Seminole County Sheriff's Office at 407 665-6650.
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