Middle school teacher accused of kissing student in classroom

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VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — A Deltona Middle School math teacher was arrested on Wednesday after he was accused of kissing a 15-year-old student on the lips.

Carlos Aguirre Rendon, 29, of Longwood, is facing two felony charges of lewd or lascivious conduct and witness tampering.

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Deputies said they began investigating Rendon on Jan. 11 after a girl reported that he had kissed her on the lips in his classroom. The girl’s parents told deputies they were previously concerned about Rendon after her mother had seen Rendon with his arm around her daughter at a Deltona park.

During the investigation, deputies said witnesses told them that Rendon often sought to be alone with the girl and “appeared to be pursuing a relationship with her outside of normal teacher-student contact.”

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On Tuesday, deputies said they learned that Rendon had been approaching potential witnesses at Firefighters’ Memorial Park in Deltona, asking about the girl and telling at least one witness not to talk to the police.

Rendon posted a $12,500 bond for his release Wednesday night. Deputies said additional charges are possible pending the outcome of the investigation.

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The school district said Rendon was hired on Dec. 16, 2020 as a teacher at Deltona Middle. Officials said they received clear background and drug screenings before he was hired, and reference checks were made.

See body camera video of his arrest below:

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