LAKELAND, Fla. – The Polk County Sheriff’s Office has arrested 36-year-old Donald Mitchell, a Lakeland resident and former teacher at Kathleen High School, on charges of sexual offenses against a student by an authority figure. The allegations involve an inappropriate relationship with a former student that spanned over a year.
The victim, now a 19-year-old woman, came forward on December 10, 2024, reporting on social media that she had been in a sexual relationship with Mitchell from October 2023, when she was a high school senior, until November 2024, after her graduation.
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When questioned by detectives, Mitchell denied any sexual relationship before the victim’s graduation but admitted to frequent text communication. He acknowledged deleting many messages to conceal them from his wife.
Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) detectives from the Special Victims Unit and Computer Crimes Unit reviewed text exchanges between Mitchell and the victim. These messages, some sent during Valentine’s Day this year, revealed inappropriate and explicit communications.
Key excerpts from the messages include:
- February 14, 2024: “I’m here to grow and groom you into what [I] know you’re capable of being!”
- February 15, 2024: “I got a lot to lose” and “Just know I love you and I want our relationship to remain solid regardless of whatever.”
- February 20, 2024: “Please don’t play with me bruh you have my life damn near in your hands…im taking a huge risk.”
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Detectives determined that Mitchell exploited his position of authority as a teacher to develop and maintain an inappropriate relationship with the victim.
Mitchell, who transitioned from his teaching role to a position as a Community Outreach Facilitator for the Polk County School Board, was arrested on December 18. The school district has placed him on administrative leave, and Mitchell has since submitted his resignation.
Polk County Public Schools Superintendent Fred Heid condemned the actions in a statement:
“These allegations describe abhorrent behavior that is unacceptable for anyone who works with students. We are cooperating fully with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, and appreciate their work to protect our youth and community.”
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd emphasized the severity of the allegations:
“Using one’s position of authority and trust over a student is egregious. Students rely on teachers to be educators and mentors, and Mitchell abused this trust by turning the relationship between him and his student sexual. This type of behavior will not be tolerated.”
The investigation remains active, and additional charges may be filed.
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