TALLAHASSEE, Fla. (WCTV) – An investigation into a teacher at Deerlake Middle School for an alleged sexual relationship with a student found that those claims were \u201cunfounded,\u201d according to a statement from Superintendent Rocky Hanna.<\/p>\n
The teacher, who has not been identified by Leon County Schools, was placed on leave during the investigation<\/a> last month.<\/p>\n In a statement released Wednesday, Hanna said the Leon County Sheriff\u2019s Office \u201cconcluded a thorough review of the recent allegations\u201d and \u201cafter a full and comprehensive investigation, the claims have been determined to be unfounded.\u201d <\/p>\n The statement emphasized that the schools always take the students seriously and any concerns brought to them will be investigated. \u201cThat commitment will never change,\u201d Hanna said.<\/p>\n However, the statement criticized the spread of rumors around the allegation. Social media was abuzz with criticism and concern from parents after the teacher was placed on leave.<\/p>\n \u201cThe speed at which rumors surrounding this incident circulated online before the facts of the situation were known is truly disheartening,\u201d Hanna said. \u201cMisinformation spreads quickly, and it can cause unnecessary fear, confusion, and harm to individuals and our school community.\u201d<\/p>\n The statement went on to encourage everyone to allow the investigative process to conclude before drawing conclusions and spreading unverified information.<\/p>\n \u201cOur focus remains on supporting our students, protecting our staff, and ensuring that our schools are safe, respectful places for teaching and learning,\u201d Hanna said. \u201cWe appreciate the patience of our Deerlake families and the broader community throughout this process.\u201d<\/p>\n To keep up with the latest news as it develops, follow WCTV on Facebook<\/a>, Instagram<\/a>, YouTube<\/a>, Nextdoor<\/a> <\/a>and X<\/a> (Twitter<\/a>).<\/p>\n Have a news tip or see an error? Write to us here<\/a>. Please include the article\u2019s headline in your message.<\/p>\n Be the first to see all the biggest headlines by downloading the WCTV News app. Click here<\/a> to get started.<\/p>\n Copyright 2025 WCTV. All rights reserved.<\/p>\n