EASTPOINT — A Franklin County High School and assistant football coach has been arrested and charged with lewd and lascivious molestation of an underage female student.
Gerald Tate was arrested Wednesday after being questioned regarding an incident dating back to the last week of school in May 2014.
A news release from the Franklin County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation was initiated by the sheriff’s office on Sept. 12. It said that one of several allegations of sexual misconduct has so far been confirmed, which is that Tate “sexually molested a child and threatened that there would be consequences if anyone was told about it.”
Based on the student’s accounts, crime scene technicians from the Florida Department of Law Enforcement were called in and asked to examine a specific room for evidence. Presumptive tests taken by a biologist in the location identified by students were positive for semen, said the news release.
When questioned Wednesday about the allegations, Tate “quickly admitted the molestation allegation was true.” Based on the admission, evidence, and statements, he was arrested and charged with lewd and lascivious molestation, said the release.
Tate began at the high school last fall, as an ESE (exceptional student education) teacher. This year he has been teaching physical education classes. He also serves as an assistant football coach.
Superintendent Nina Marks said Tate has been suspended without pay from his job, and that she expects to present the matter to the school board at a special meeting Oct. 1.
The news release said additional charges are pending further investigation of the allegations