A Marion County substitute teacher has been arrested for inappropriately touching students at Lake Weir High School, deputies said.
Timothy Cooke, 58, is facing one count of battery and one count of simple battery on a juvenile.
Deputies said the victim reported the case in January.
She told investigators that she was helping grade papers in Cooke’s class when he came up behind her and grabbed her buttocks.
When she tried to move away, Cooke grabbed her tighter and pulled her toward him, investigators said.
While deputies were investigating the case, they said another victim told them while she was in class with Cook, he wrapped his arms around her and put his hand on her breast.
The student said he squeezed her tighter before she was able to pry herself from his grasp.
She told deputies that she transferred to another school so she didn't have to see Cooke.
Deputies said the Marion County Sheriff’s Office has investigated five cases of simple battery on Lake Weir students by Cooke since 2009.
The two most recent cases led to his arrest on Wednesday. One case remains open, and the two other cases were closed because of lack of prosecution.
When Channel 9 went to the Ocala address listed for Cooke on his arrest report, an individual at the residence would not say where the substitute teacher was.
He then said to leave.
"You got a few minutes to get off my property or you're going to get bit," the man said, referring to a dog standing beside him in the doorway.
Deputies asked anyone who believes that he or she is a victim of Cooke or has information on other possible victims to call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at 352-732-9111 or Crime Stoppers of Marion County at 352- 368-STOP
Cox Media Group
