Man employed by Lake County Schools accused of inappropriate relationship with student

LAKE COUNTY, Fla. — LAKE COUNTY, Fla. – A man employed by Lake County Public Schools is facing charges of having an inappropriate relationship with a high school student, according to the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies said Mario Gutierrez, who was hired as an IT specialist, was arrested after the alleged relationship with a student who attends South Lake High School.

Gutierrez was allegedly sexually involved with two students, ages 15 and 16, but he is only facing charges tied to one of those teens because of Florida’s Romeo and Juliet law, which allows minors at certain ages to consent to sex with people under 24 years old.

"A few days before Christmas, our school resource deputy down in South Lake High School learned about it from the school administration there," said John Herrell, with the Lake County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies and administrators said the two students got into a fight and when administrators tried to find out why, the students claimed they were both involved with Gutierrez.

Deputies said when he had sex with the 16-year-old, Gutierrez was 23. He turned 24 on Monday.

School district officials said once they learned about the allegations, Gutierrez was reassigned so that he wouldn't have any access to kids.

They said he hasn't had any previous disciplinary issues and has been with the district for two years. Gutierrez has since quit his job with Lake County Schools.

Officials said the Gutierrez did not meet the students on the job, but while he was involved with local theater productions.

Gutierrez is also facing an additional charge after deputies said he tried to get the student to lie about their relationship.

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