JACKSONVILLE, Fla. -- The local teacher charged with sex crimes against a child has prompted MOSH to send a letter out to parents.
Christopher Bacca worked as a summer camp instructor at the Museum of Science & History intermittently from October of 2003 until June of this year. The museum fired him today after hearing of the charges against him.
A spokesperson at MOSH tells Action News the museum has not been contacted by the Jacksonville Sheriff's Office, but it is sending a letter to parents.
The letter from MOSH Executive Director Mary Hane reads:
Dear MOSH Camp Parent, We learned today about the arrest of a Duval County public school teacher. This teacher has served as a camp instructor at MOSH.We are surprised and incredibly disappointed by the allegations reported. They are not consistent with the values we reflect as an organization or the strict screening requirements we hold for all employees and volunteers. We want to make sure that you fully understand that the safety of our campers, employees, volunteers and visitors is our first priority. While we have not been advised of any issues involving our youth, we stand readily available to support all agencies conducting any investigation.. Bacca
appeared in court Wednesday on multiple child sex charges, including three felony counts of sexual battery on a victim under 12. A boy told police
Bacca touched him inappropriately and showered with him on numerous occasions at the teacher's home
Bacca won 2012 Duval County Teacher of the Year at Windy Hill Elementary. Bacca started as a 4th grade teacher at Long Branch Elementary School in 2008 before transferring to Windy Hill in 2010. He's been suspended without pay and faces termination at next month's School Board meeting.
Bacca also worked as a co-chair to the youth ministry at the Riverside Presbyterian Church.
"I am stunned, said Dr. W. Stephen Goyer, the church's pastor. "We are still going over the accusations."
