OKALOOSA COUNTY, Fla. — A Crestview High School teacher has been arrested in connection with a reported sexual relationship with a student that occurred more than 20 years ago, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) announced Tuesday.
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The suspect, 58-year-old Timothy John Sexton, is currently a teacher at Crestview High School and formerly taught at Pryor Middle School. He is accused of having a sexual relationship with a student between April 2001 and July 2005, beginning when the victim was 14 and continuing until she was 17, according to the OCSO.
Mr Sexton was taken into custody Tuesday morning at his home on Jeff Drive in Crestview by OCSO deputies and the U.S. Marshals Florida Regional Fugitive Task Force. He is being held at the Okaloosa County Jail without bond on charges of sexual battery by a person in custodial authority and sexual battery on a victim between the ages of 12 and 18.
The OCSO said the investigation began in March 2025 after a report was submitted via FortifyFL to both the sheriff’s office and the Okaloosa County School District. Investigators reportedly developed probable cause for Mr Sexton’s arrest through interviews with the victim and witnesses.
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“There is no expiration date on seeking justice for victims,” said Okaloosa County Sheriff Eric Aden.
“This arrest underscores our unwavering commitment to pursuing the truth, no matter how much time has passed. We are proud of the work done by our investigators and encourage anyone who has been a victim to come forward.”
The Okaloosa County School District confirmed that Mr Sexton had already been placed on administrative leave after the initial FortifyFL report was received. The district said it promptly contacted the Florida Department of Children and Families and the OCSO after receiving the tip.
In a statement Tuesday, Superintendent Marcus Chambers said, “Our teachers are held to the highest standards of professionalism, ethics, and integrity when it comes to the safety and well-being of our students.”
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Mr Chambers said Sexton will be recommended for suspension without pay pending the outcome of the criminal proceedings.
“The overwhelming majority of our employees come to work each day to make a positive impact in the lives of our students,” Mr Chambers said.
“However, when an individual fails to uphold those standards, it deeply affects our entire school community. The safety and well-being of our students remain our top priority.”
The charges against Mr Sexton involve conduct that is said to have taken place while he was employed at another school, not during his current role at Crestview High School.
