JACKSONVILLE, Fla. (WFLA) — A former school dean and charter school teacher is facing felony charges related to child sexual abuse, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said.
During the investigation, the JSO Special Assault Unit learned that between the 2023-2024 school year, 27-year-old James Terris had sexually abused a preteen student.
Tellis also used Instagram’s Vanish mode to hide the message and sent the victim’s money, the official said.
At the time, Terris was a charter school teacher and resigned to become dean of another charter school.
Charter School closed Terris after his arrest, the JSO said.
According to the JSO, investigators found conversations that included evidence of abuse and discussions of future sexual activity during the investigation.
Terris was arrested at his home Friday and is currently not held at Duval County Jail.
“We are communicating closely with the National Centre for Children’s Missing and Exploitation regarding Meta and the likelihood of more casualties. These investigations take time,” JSO said in a Facebook post.
Detectives believe there may be more casualties, and JSOs are asking parents to tell their children about the risks of abuse and the importance of their statements.
Anyone with information will be asked to contact the JSO at 904-630-0500 or remain anonymous and qualify for a reward of up to $3,000. Contact First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1-866-845-8477.
