POLK COUNTY, Fla. — The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 36-year-old Donald Mitchell out of Lakeland Wednesday, Dec. 18, 2024, on sexual offenses against a student by an authority figure.
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On Dec. 10, 2024, a 19-year-old former student at Kathleen High School, reported via social media that she had been engaged in a sexual relationship with Mitchell from October of 2023, when she was a student at Kathleen High School, to November of 2024, after her graduation, according to PCSO.
When questioned about the relationship, Mitchell denied there was any sexual component to their relationship until after she graduated but admitted to texting her often.
After examining his messages, PCSO Specials Victims Unit and Computer Crimes Unit determined Mitchell uses his position of authority over the victim inappropriately.
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“Using one’s position of authority and trust over a student is egregious. Students rely on teachers to be educators and mentors, and Mitchell abused this trust by turning the relationship between him and his student sexual. This type of behavior will not be tolerated.” – Sheriff Grady Judd.
Mitchell, formerly a teacher at Kathleen High School, is now employed as a Community Outreach Facilitator for the Polk County School Board.
He has been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation by the school board.
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