Duval County

Teacher accused of molestation pleads guilty to ‘offenses against a student by an authority figure’

James Johnson

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A private school teacher who was accused of molesting a student has been sentenced by a judge.

Action News Jax first told you when James Rankin Johnson was arrested in February 2021 on charges of lewd or lascivious molestation and offenses against a student by an authority figure.

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Court records show that Johnson pleaded guilty to the charge of offenses against a student by an authority figure. The records show that the charges of lewd or lascivious molestation against Johnson are listed as nolle prosequi, which means that those charges have been abandoned or dismissed.

Action News Jax told you in 2021 that Johnson had been a teacher at New Beginnings Christian Academy on Ramona Blvd. since the 2018-2019 school year.

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On Tuesday, Johnson was sentenced to four years in state prison and was given credit for time already served, which is about two years.

He will also have to register as a sex offender and will be on probation for five years. According to court records, these are some of the following conditions Johnson must abide by:

  • Not live within 1,000 feet of a school, day care or other place where children congregate
  • Successfully complete sex offender treatment program
  • No direct or indirect contact with victim(s)
  • No contact with children under 18 without prior court approval
  • Do not possess or view pornography
  • Do not access the internet/computer without approved safety plan
  • Pay for all of victim’s counseling
  • Do not distribute candy to children on Halloween, wear Santa Claus or Easter Bunny costume, entertain at children’s parties or wear a clown costume

According to court records, a civil suit for negligence has been filed by a parent against Johnson and New Beginnings Christian Academy.

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