MARION COUNTY, Fla. — A Saddlewood Elementary School physical education teacher has been arrested after a former student accused him of molesting her when she was 8, according to the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.
Jeffery Thomas Farris was arrested Friday, Oct. 30, on one count of lewd or lascivious molestation involving a child younger than 12.
An arrest affidavit states Farris had recently been placed on administrative leave because of the allegations. Detectives are asking anyone with information about additional potential victims to come forward.
Former student describes inappropriate touching
According to the affidavit, the investigation followed a disclosure the former student made to a therapist about being inappropriately touched by her elementary school PE teacher.
The student told investigators Farris asked her to retrieve equipment from a storage room, followed her inside and touched her private areas over her clothing when she bent down, the affidavit states.
She also described earlier occasions when he grabbed her waist or hips in front of other students, according to investigators.
Detectives reviewed school records confirming she attended Farris’ PE classes and said she identified him in photographs.
The affidavit also documents earlier disclosures to another person and her grandparents, including a text exchange captured in May 2023.
Farris denies allegations
During an interview with detectives, Farris denied touching the student inappropriately, according to the affidavit.
He acknowledged that students had entered equipment rooms to retrieve scooters but maintained that he had never touched a student inappropriately, investigators wrote.
The sheriff’s office said Monday that Farris was being held at the Marion County Jail without bond.
Detectives review previous school discipline
Investigators also reviewed a 2017 disciplinary case involving Farris, who was then a wrestling coach at West Port High School while teaching at Saddlewood Elementary.
According to school records summarized in the affidavit, Farris shared a hotel room with a female wrestler during an overnight tournament trip. The sheriff’s office said he was suspended following that incident.
The school investigation found no reports or indications of inappropriate conduct beyond the room arrangement, according to the affidavit. The former wrestler also told detectives during the current investigation that she did not recall anything inappropriate happening.
Sheriff’s office seeks information
Detectives believe there may be additional victims, citing statements made during Farris’ interview and his previous behavior, according to the sheriff’s office.
Anyone who may have had a similar encounter is asked to call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 352-732-9111.
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