Honk News (Port Orange, FL) – A staff member from a Volusia County school has been taken into custody following accusations of engaging in inappropriate conduct with a minor, authorities confirmed on Monday.
A 51-year-old man, identified by authorities as Jeffery Summers, works as a paraprofessional at Horizon Elementary School in Port Orange, as reported by Volusia County Schools.
Authorities announced that Summers was taken into custody along with 15 others during “Operation Full Throttle,” a covert initiative during this year’s Bike Week aimed at apprehending individuals suspected of offenses linked to child exploitation.
Summers is currently facing serious allegations related to inappropriate communications with a minor, which include using a computer to entice the child and traveling to meet them, according to the release.
Sarah Lux, the representative for Volusia County Schools, stated that he was in his fourth year with the district and was involved with students in exceptional student education (ESE). According to Lux, he didn’t stick to one particular grade and instead rotated between different classrooms.
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Authorities have announced the initiation of an internal inquiry into professional standards.
“Our staff is working with law enforcement to ensure their investigation can move forward appropriately,” Lux said. “The individual has been placed on leave and will have no interaction with students moving forward. Further action will be determined based on the findings of the investigation.”
Mental health resources will be accessible at Horizon Elementary School on Tuesday for students and staff seeking support, according to Lux.
In light of the voicemail, parent Erica Mitchell decided to keep her children home from school on Monday.
“Once more information comes out, I’m sure I will feel better that he was arrested, but right now, you’re just in this unknown,” she said. “And it’s like: do I talk to my kids? Have they had any incidents?”
Individuals with further details regarding Summers or the other individuals connected to Operation Full Throttle are encouraged to reach out to detectives at (386) 506-5894.