Teacher Arrested for Sexual Relationship with Student After Grooming

An art teacher at a Florida school was arrested following allegations of sexual misconduct involving a student. Elias Gordon Farley, 26, is accused of grooming the pupil and initiating a sexual relationship that included encounters at his home and in school facilities. The investigation began after a fellow teacher reported seeing bruises and bite marks on the student, who claimed they were inflicted by Farley.

The incident came to light when the student approached another teacher at the Donna Klein Jewish Academy, expressing concerns about her relationship with Farley. Following the report, the school contacted authorities, leading to Farley’s arrest on December 4, 2023. He is currently being held at the Palm Beach County Main Detention Center on a bond of $500,000.

Details of the Allegations

Investigators allege that Farley engaged in sexual acts with the student both on school grounds and at his residence. According to law enforcement, Farley used Google Docs as a tool to groom the student, creating a document that allegedly contained sexually explicit content and plans for private meetings. The student reported that their communication began during the previous school year and intensified over the summer.

As the relationship progressed, the student stated that physical encounters began in September, with sexual acts occurring in Farley’s office and other areas of the school. An affidavit details that Farley allegedly touched the student under her clothing, with the encounters escalating to include oral sex and intercourse.

On two occasions last month, the student visited Farley’s home while his roommate was absent. A search warrant executed at his residence corroborated her account, with police discovering bedding, condom wrappers, and furniture consistent with the student’s descriptions. Surveillance footage from the school reportedly captured the pair entering Farley’s office together and remaining there for approximately one hour.

School’s Response and Ongoing Investigation

In light of these serious allegations, the Donna Klein Jewish Academy has suspended Farley and is cooperating with authorities. A spokesperson stated, “We are approaching this serious situation with the utmost care, keeping the well-being of our students, faculty, and families at the forefront.” The school has also reported the allegations to child welfare services.

Farley has declined to speak with investigators following his arrest. He faces multiple charges, including unlawful sexual activity with a minor and offenses against a student by an authority figure. While the investigation is ongoing, the school has confirmed that Farley is no longer employed there.

This case underscores the critical importance of safeguarding students and ensuring that educational environments remain safe. As the investigation continues, authorities are focusing on the well-being of the students involved and the broader implications for school safety.