Teacher arrested on charges of sending sexually explicit emails to student

SEMINOLE COUNTY, Fla. — A Seminole County special needs teacher is accused of sending sexual text messages to a 14-year-old student.

Daniel Kelley, 26, was arrested and then fired from Bridges Academy in Winter Springs.

Investigators say Kelley and the girl exchanged hundreds of emails.

According to a Sheriff's Office report, the girl was in Kelley's homeroom.

"It's extremely disturbing when a teacher is involved. The teacher is in a position of trust and authority, so they should never put themselves in a position where they're having this kind of communication with children," said Kim Cannaday of the Seminole County Sheriff's Office.

Investigators said Kelley was arrested after the girl's father reported finding graphic emails between Kelly and his daughter.

Kelley's neighbors were surprised by the arrest.

"There's tons of kids in this neighborhood. There are kids that play out in these streets every single day," said neighbor Kimberly Klauck.

"Me and my wife, we're always cautious about who we affiliate with, but I didn't think I would have somebody so close like that," said neighbor Joshua Adorno.

According to investigators, in the emails Kelley described sex acts and repeatedly asked the teenaged girl to send him photos of her breasts.

They said the girl never agreed to do that.

"Several times he actually solicited this victim to send nude photos of herself and fortunately she didn't send those photos, but she did send some that were borderline," said Cannaday.

"I think it's disgusting. It's really upsetting. I am glad my child is over the age of 18. That's really sad," said Klauck.

Investigators are working to find out whether there could be any other victims at the school.

School leaders at Bridges Academy told WFTV's Karla Ray that they notified parents of the arrest on Friday and said they believe it was an isolated incident.

"We have not had any communication with our parents that would indicate to us that they have that concern," said Bridges Academy Executive Director Jacqueline Egli.

WFTV learned that Kelley has worked at Winter Springs High School and has worked as a substitute at other schools throughout the county.

WFTV