Honk News (Polk County, FL) – A former substitute educator in Florida has been taken into custody following accusations of engaging in an improper relationship with a minor student.
A criminal complaint was filed against Chase Crabb, 23, in Polk County on January 21, leading to an investigation regarding his involvement with a 16-year-old student. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office stated that Crabb encountered the unnamed girl in December 2023 while serving as a substitute teacher at Haines City High School.
It has been reported that they initiated discussions via email, eventually moving on to social media and text messaging. Authorities reported that after the 15-year-old girl informed Crabb about her breakup with her boyfriend, their exchanges became inappropriate.
The Sheriff’s Office has informed the media that Crabb and the girl interacted through various platforms, including TikTok, Discord, Instagram, and text messaging on their phones. Throughout the year spanning from December 2023 to December 2024, Crabb is accused of sending inappropriate messages to the girl, which included images of his groin.
He reportedly requested that she share nude photos and tried to persuade her to engage in sexual activity with him.
The messages that Crabb reportedly sent to the girl hinted at his awareness of the inappropriateness of his actions, including statements like, “Uhhhhh, I mean is it wrong for me to be sexually attracted to a minor? WHO SAID THAT.” He also allegedly stated his preference for underage girls, saying, “Nah cause they won’t be interesting [adult females] It’s more fun to groom heh.”
It is reported that the girl informed her mother this month about the inappropriate messages she was receiving from Crabb, whom she referred to as “Mr. Chase.”
Following the complaint lodged on January 21, an inquiry was initiated by the Florida Department of Children and Families alongside the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, leading to the issuance of an arrest warrant.
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Crabb was taken into custody on January 22 and is currently being held at the Polk County Jail without the possibility of bond. He faces two serious charges: sending harmful material to a minor and the illegal use of a two-way communication device.
Crabb’s most recent position was at Haines High School in March 2024. A report indicated that he was a temporary worker employed through Kelly Services, which ended Crabb’s employment due to a lack of activity.
No complaints have been reported to Polk County Public Schools regarding Crabb’s conduct with students.
Following his first court appearance on January 23, Crabb received orders to maintain distance from minors and to refrain from using electronic devices that connect to the internet. He is set to face the court on February 25 for his felony arraignment.