St. Augustine Beach, August 6, 2025
News Summary
Christopher Ford, a teacher at Bartram Trail High School, was arrested for allegedly engaging in inappropriate conduct in front of minors at St. Augustine Beach. Witnesses reported him masturbating near young girls, prompting a quick police response. Ford is on paid leave pending investigation and may face termination, marking ongoing concerns about safety in educational settings. This incident adds to a troubling pattern at the school, with Ford being the third staff member arrested in recent years for various misconduct.
St. Augustine Beach – A 29-year-old teacher from Bartram Trail High School, Christopher Ford, was arrested on Saturday by the St. Augustine Beach Police Department for allegedly engaging in inappropriate behavior in front of minors. Ford stands accused of masturbating near a group of young girls aged 10 to 12 at St. Augustine Beach, leading to a swift law enforcement response following multiple parent complaints.
Witnesses reported that Ford approached several children swimming in the water and positioned himself closely enough that waves caused one of the minors to come into contact with him. After police received a 911 call describing Ford’s conduct, officers intervened to investigate the claims. Reports highlighted a troubling pattern of behavior, as Ford was seen lingering near a group of foreign exchange students and attempting to draw them closer while the waves surged.
Ford has been placed on paid administrative leave during the course of the investigation and now faces potential termination from his teaching position. The St. Johns County Schools Superintendent is expected to recommend his firing at the next school board meeting scheduled for September 9th. Ford’s arrest marks a continuing concern regarding teacher conduct at the school, as he is the third Bartram Trail employee to be arrested in three years. Just last month, a fellow teacher, Lucas Worsham, was apprehended for soliciting prostitution online, and in 2022, former coach Tylar Reagan was arrested for sexually assaulting students, later found guilty in 2023.
Despite the mounting evidence and multiple witness accounts, Ford denied the allegations against him, claiming that nothing inappropriate transpired and suggesting the possibility of mistaken identity among witnesses. He asserted that he had not engaged in any conduct that would warrant suspension or legal consequences while at the beach that day.
Following this incident, parents in the community have expressed alarm and concern for the safety of their children in educational environments. One parent articulated worries about the potential risk posed by teachers and the protection of students in school settings. These repeated incidents involving Bartram Trail staff have raised broader questions regarding oversight, accountability, and the measures in place to ensure student safety.
The St. Augustine Beach incident serves as a reminder of the ongoing issues facing schools and the need for thorough investigation and preventive measures to protect minors entrusted to the education system.
Background Context
Bartram Trail High School, located in St. Johns County, has faced considerable scrutiny over the past few years due to multiple arrests involving staff members. Each case has drawn public concern and discussion about the measures enacted by the school and district to safeguard students and address inappropriate conduct among educators. With the recent arrest of Christopher Ford, parents and community members alike are left grappling with the implications for school environments and the overall safety of their children.
FAQ
What happened with Christopher Ford?
Christopher Ford, a teacher at Bartram Trail High School, was arrested for allegedly masturbating in front of minors at St. Augustine Beach.
What led to his arrest?
His arrest followed complaints from parents and witnesses who reported his inappropriate behavior near children swimming at the beach.
What is his current status as a teacher?
Ford has been placed on paid leave pending investigation and may face termination depending on the school board’s decision.
How many incidents have happened at Bartram Trail High School?
Ford is the third staff member from the school to be arrested in the last three years, following arrests for soliciting prostitution and sexual assault.
Chart: Key Incidents at Bartram Trail High School
| Year | Staff Member | Allegation | Status |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | Tylar Reagan | Sexually assaulting students | Arrested and convicted |
| August 2023 | Lucas Worsham | Soliciting prostitution | Arrested |
| September 2023 | Christopher Ford | Inappropriate behavior in front of minors | Arrested, on paid leave |
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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Additional Resources
- Action News Jax: St. Johns County Teacher Arrested
- SJ Citizen: Bartram Trail High School Teacher Accused
- Action News Jax: Teacher Removed from Classroom
- First Coast News: Chemistry Teacher Arrested
- Google Search: Teacher Arrested Lewd Behavior
