Florida charter high school teacher accused of having sexual relationship with student

RIVERVIEW, Fla. — A teacher at a west-central Florida charter high school is accused of engaging in sexual acts with a juvenile student, authorities said.

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Paige Marie Worley, 22, of Riverview, was arrested on Friday, according to Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office online booking records.

According to a news release from the sheriff’s office, Morley is facing charges of lewd and lascivious battery, authority figure over a student; lewd or lascivious molestation, defendant over 18, victim 12-15, authority figure over a student; lewd or lascivious exhibition, authority figure over a student; authority figure soliciting or engaging in a romantic relationship with a student; and sexual battery, authority figure over a student.

Morley was a teacher at Winthrop College Preparatory Academy, a charter school with students in grades nine through 12, in the Tampa suburb of Riverview, WFLA-TV reported.

According to the sheriff’s office, since February, Morley allegedly met with the male student after school hours through school-sanctioned events. They would engage in sexual activities during the events, WTSP-TV reported.

“It is unfathomable, how a trusted member of our community could abuse the power and position they were given,” Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister said in a statement. “This woman was entrusted to educate students and be a positive influence, instead she is a disgrace. As a father, I empathize with parents who are learning of this, and I appreciate the school’s cooperation during this investigation.”

Morley remains at the Orient Road Jail in Tampa, online records show. Bail was set at $145,000, according to online records.