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JSO: High school teacher arrested for engaging in romantic relationship with student

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Police say a First Coast High School teacher was arrested Wednesday for soliciting a romantic relationship with a student.

According to Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office jail records, Gretchin Thompson, 27, is charged with offenses against students by an authority figure.

In a recorded message sent to parents and students today, First Coast High Principal Justin Fluent said the school reassigned Thompson earlier this year after receiving allegations of inappropriate communication between her and a student, and she has had no student contact since the internal investigation began.

The message continued, “Today, we learned that the Jacksonville Sherriff’s office arrested Ms. Thompson on a charge of soliciting or engaging in a romantic relationship with a student. While the judicial process plays out and as our internal human resources review continues, Ms. Thompson will not be returning to the classroom; however, I want to remind everyone of the presumption of innocence.”

“We will continue to staff her classes with a long-term substitute, and my team will monitor to ensure instruction in these classes meets our high expectations. If you have any questions or feedback about this or anything to do with your child’s experience here at First Coast, I encourage you to reach out to me through the school office.”


Samantha Mathers

Samantha Mathers, Action News Jax

Samantha Mathers is a digital reporter and content creator for Action News Jax.