PIERSON, Fla. – A former Volusia County teacher is accused of having a sexual relationship with an 18-year-old student, according to the sheriff’s office.
Patrick Gingras, 35, was arrested Wednesday on a warrant for sexual conduct with a student by an authority figure, the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office said Thursday on social media.
An investigation began in February 2024 when school staff reported the alleged relationship to a school resource deputy, according to the post. Though the student reportedly denied any relationship, detectives later obtained cellphone evidence that “revealed the truth,” the post states.
Gingras taught high school intensive reading at Taylor Middle High School in Pierson, according to the sheriff’s office. He was escorted off campus during the initial investigation and was placed on leave by the school district, which opened an internal investigation and did not renew Gingras’ contract and the end of the school year, the post states.
Gingras is being held in the Volusia County Branch Jail on a $25,000 bond, records show. The sheriff’s office said that if he’s released on bail, he would be required to wear a GPS monitor and would not be allowed to contact the student or any witnesses in the case, nor would he be allowed to access the internet without a court order.
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