Duval County Public Schools says that on top of criminal charges, the teacher is the subject of an internal investigation and has been reassigned.

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A Jacksonville teacher was reassigned and arrested Friday morning, according to Duval County Public Schools.

The district said James Mulvey, a former social studies teacher at Baldwin Middle-Senior High School, was arrested by the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office on the charge of offenses against students by authority figures.

DCPS said Mulvey is also the subject of an internal investigation and has been reassigned to a position away from students while the investigation continues.

In a message sent to families, Principal Michael Townsend said Mulvey was arrested on multiple charges, including allegations involving a romantic relationship with a student. Townsend acknowledged the presumption of innocence but described the allegations as deeply concerning. He also emphasized that student safety and well-being remain the school’s top priority and said anyone who violates the trust placed in them will be held accountable.

After the initial message to parents was sent, DCPS clarified that JSO identified the charge as offenses against students by authority figures.

“As the principal noted, while the presumption of innocence applies, these allegations are deeply concerning and are inconsistent with the high standards and expectations we have for all employees entrusted with the safety and well-being of students,” the district said.

The district said Mulvey was first hired in October 2016, briefly resigned in June 2022, and was rehired in October 2022.

Principal Townsend’s message can be found below:

Hello Baldwin Middle-Senior High Families,

This is Principal Townsend. I regret having to end the week with difficult news, but I want to inform you of a serious situation involving one of our staff members.

This individual, James Mulvey, was arrested this morning on multiple charges, including Authority Figure Solicits or Engages in a Romantic Relationship with a Student. While the presumption of innocence applies, the allegations are deeply concerning.

In addition to these criminal charges, the individual is also the subject of an internal human resources investigation. He has been removed from the school and reassigned to a role without student contact while both internal and external investigations are ongoing.

I understand that this information is upsetting, but I believe it is important to keep our families informed. Please know that the safety and well-being of our students remain our highest priority. We also want to be clear that any individual who violates the trust placed in them to protect and support students will be held accountable.

Thank you for taking the time to listen to this message. I appreciate your partnership and support.