Tarpon Springs High teacher molested, battered student, police say

A Tarpon Springs High School math teacher was arrested Thursday after investigators determined he molested and battered a student, police said.

The Tarpon Springs Police Department on Thursday learned that James Collins, 39, had been accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student younger than 16, according to a news release.

Detectives launched an investigation and arrested Collins later that day on charges of lewd and lascivious battery, lewd and lascivious molestation, offense against student by an authority figure, prohibited computer use, traveling to meet a minor, interference with child custody and tampering with physical evidence.

Police said no other details were available for release. An arrest affidavit was not immediately available Friday.

Collins was being held Friday without bail in the Pinellas County Jail, records show.

Police said Collins has a been a teacher at Tarpon Springs High for about a year and prior to that taught in Pasco County.

A spokesperson for the Pinellas County School District did not immediately respond to an email seeking information about Collins’ employment status.

Police asked anyone with information on this or other incidents involving Collins to call Detective Justin Smith at 727-937-6151.