MARION COUNTY, Fla. – A high school teacher in Ocala was arrested on Wednesday and accused of sexual misconduct with multiple students over several years.
Bernard Smith, 47, was charged with four counts of offenses against students by an authority figure, according to the Ocala Police Department (OPD).
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Smith is a criminal justice teacher at West Port High School and a former law enforcement officer.
Last month, police said a school resource officer was told by multiple students that Smith had inappropriate contact with them.
Some of the reported misconduct, police said, included “fist bumping” students’ breasts, touching students’ thighs, calling a student “baby,” making inappropriate comments about a student’s breast, giving a student a long hug after speaking about her sex life, making inappropriate comments about a student turning 18, sending a friend request to a student’s social media account and other inappropriate conduct.
Police investigated the allegations and ultimately developed probable cause for Smith’s arrest on Feb. 8.
“This is an alarming reminder that even some people in positions of power and trust can be corruptible, and it serves as a strong motivator to remain vigilant and ensure that those with such authority are held accountable for their actions,” OPD said in a Facebook post. “Making sure students are kept safe is our top priority and we have zero tolerance for this type of misconduct. We commend the students who had the courage to come forward to report this behavior.”
Police are now asking anyone else who has experienced similar behavior involving Smith to report it to law enforcement.
