Tarpon Springs teacher accused of ‘inappropriate relationship’ with student

TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) — A Tarpon Springs High School teacher was charged with several child sex crimes in connection to an alleged “inappropriate relationship” with a student.

The Tarpon Springs Police Department said James Collins, 39, had “an inappropriate
relationship with a student under the age of 16.”

Collins was charged with the following offenses:

• Computer pornography, prohibited computer usage. traveling to meet a minor.
• Interference with child custody
• Lewd and lascivious battery
• Lewd and lascivious molestation
• Offense against students by an authority figure
• Tampering with physical evidence
• Traveling to meet a minor

Collins worked as a teacher in Pasco County before he started at Tarpon Springs High School a year ago. Anyone with information about this incident or other incidents involving Collins is asked to contact Detective Justin Smith at (727) 937-6151.

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