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Titusville coach arrested in drug bust reprimanded in 2015 over criminal history, records show

BREVARD COUNTY, Fla. — Leonard Agee Jr., a high school football coach at Titusville High School who was arrested Wednesday on charges of drug distribution, was denied a teaching certificate in 2014.

Citing several previous arrests and a misdemeanor conviction for resisting an officer in 2000, the Florida Board of Education found Agee lacked “good moral character” and “has been guilty of gross immorality or an act involving moral turpitude.”

The denial was overturned when the issue was reviewed by the Florida Education Practices Commission in 2015.

Read: Education Practices Commission disciplinary report

Agee requested an informal hearing with the EPC “to present evidence and testimony,” after which he was allowed to apply for a teaching certificate, an EPC report said.

If found qualified for a certificate, “(it) shall be issued,” the commission ordered.

The report did not specify what kind evidence or testimony was given by Agee.

The commission did file a formal letter of reprimand in Agee’s certification file.

“This panel, composed of your peers, believes that, as a teacher, you are required to exercise a measure of leadership beyond reproach,” the commission wrote in the reprimand. “By your actions, you have lessened the reputation of all who practice our profession."

“This profession cannot condone your actions, nor can the public who employ us.”

The reprimand warned that additional action would be taken for any future violations.

“The (EPC) sincerely hopes it is your intention to never allow this situation to occur again,” the letter said.

Among other things, the EPC also ordered Agee be put on a one-year probation if hired as a teacher, be barred from transporting minor students in or on motor vehicles, and pay a $750 administrative fine.

Agee, 40, and fellow Titusville High School football coach Benjamin Jenkins, 36, were arrested and charged in federal court with conspiracy to distribute, and possession with intent to distribute controlled substances.

Both bonded out of jail Wednesday evening.

The Brevard County School District issued a statement on Thursday.

“There is an expectation from our community that I provide the highest level of transparency and open communications of both the good and challenging incidents that impact our district. This is why I wanted to release a thorough disclosure of the personnel background of recently arrested BPS employees,” states Dr. Desmond Blackburn, superintendent. “The deplorable actions of these individuals does not reflect the character of our 9,000 quality staff members who tirelessly serve the students of Brevard County. I consider these actions as a personal offense that will not be tolerated while I am superintendent and will continue to hold accountable those individuals who would betray our trust in this manner.”

If convicted, Agee and Jenkins could face up to 20 years in prison.

Three other people were arrested on state charges in connection with the bust.

Cecil Jerome Thorton, 44, was charged with violation of probation, possession of a firearm as a convicted felon, possession of drug paraphernalia and possession of a controlled substance with intent to sell.

Jerry Pickens Jr., 36, was charged with possession of marijuana, and Essie Evans, 43, was charged with violation of probation, possession of cocaine with the intent to sell, possession of drug paraphernalia with intent to manufacture, and possession of a firearm as a convicted felon.

All three lived in Titusville.