Sheriff: Former SRO had inappropriate relationship with student, 15, in Marion County

MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A former Marion County school resource officer is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student.

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Deputies arrested Christian Linan, 34, on Monday.

Investigators said a school counselor tipped them off after a student shared information, alleging she had a past sexual relationship with Linan.

The inappropriate contact began in 2019 when the victim was 15 years old, according to investigators.

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Marion County Sheriff’s Office said Linan, who has since resigned, joined the department in 2016.

Most recently, he served as a resource officer at Dunnellon High School since 2022.

Sheriff Billy Woods released a statement that read, in part, “All of my deputies know the standards I set for the Office of Sheriff. In fact, they take an oath to uphold those standards and they know that I have zero tolerance for this kind of action. I am glad that the victim had the courage to come forward and let us know.”

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Linan was booked into Marion County Jail without bond.

He is charged with lewd and lascivious battery on a juvenile victim.

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