WALTON COUNTY, Fla. — A Walton High School football and weightlifting coach has been arrested following an investigation into allegations involving a student, the Walton County Sheriff’s Office announced.
According to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office (WCSO), 24-year-old Zachary Mason of Crestview turned himself in to the Walton County Jail on Friday afternoon after a warrant was issued for his arrest.
The investigation began on Tuesday after a tip was submitted through the Fortify Florida app regarding an alleged relationship between Mason and a student.
The Walton County School District immediately suspended Mr. Mason after receiving the allegations, the WCSO said.
During the investigation, deputies determined that Mason and the student began communicating through Snapchat in December 2025.
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Investigators said the messages reportedly became romantic in nature and later escalated beyond appropriate boundaries.
According to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, Mr Mason admitted to conduct that violated Florida law after picking the student up in Walton County and traveling to his residence in Crestview.
Mason has been charged with an authority figure engaging in a romantic relationship with a student and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
He was booked into the Walton County Jail.
The Walton County Sheriff’s Office said the investigation remains ongoing and that additional charges may be forthcoming.
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