HILLSBOROUGH COUNTY, Fla. – A substitute teacher has been arrested and charged with battery following an altercation with a 14-year-old student at a Hillsborough County school.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) arrested Benjamin Barnes, 26, on March 25, 2025, after an incident that occurred at approximately 9:35 a.m.
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According to the HCSO, Barnes, a substitute teacher employed by Kelly Services, engaged in a verbal altercation with the student. During the argument, Barnes allegedly used racially charged language, attempted to provoke a physical fight, and forcibly took the student’s cell phone.
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The student fled the classroom and reported the incident to a school resource deputy. Barnes was subsequently arrested and charged with battery.
“What happened today is a betrayal of everything an educator is supposed to represent,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Our teachers are supposed to create a safe space for learning and respect, not fear and intimidation. This behavior is completely unacceptable, and this teacher will face the consequences of their actions.”
The school where the incident happened was not disclosed by HCSO.
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