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James Tellis, 27, was employed with IDEA Public Schools, which manages charter schools in Jacksonville, at the time of his arrest on Friday.
JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — A former employee of a Jacksonville charter school is now facing several felony charges following a report that they sexually assaulted someone years earlier, as detailed in an arrest report from the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office.
Authorities apprehended 27-year-old James Tellis on Friday based on an existing arrest warrant. He is charged with first-degree felony sexual battery and unlawful use of a communication device, according to the report.
His arrest report states that the sexual battery happened on March 20 in 2023 or 2024.
The report states that Tellis used Instagram to communicate with the minor and “bribed” them with food and other means before the assault occurred.
Post-assault, Tellis allegedly sent the victim $45 via Cash App and attempted to discuss the encounter a week after it occurred. The report notes the victim was not interested in further communication with Tellis and did not contact him for over two years following the incident.
First Coast News discovered on Tuesday that Tellis was employed by IDEA Jacksonville, the organization managing charter schools in the area, at the time of his arrest.
IDEA Public Schools informed First Coast News on Tuesday, stating, “On the morning of July 26, IDEA Jacksonville was notified of an off-campus arrest of an employee linked to an alleged minor-related incident. The employee was immediately let go, and we are actively cooperating with the authorities.”
The institution clarified that “there is no evidence” to suggest a student from the school was involved in the event and emphasized that every IDEA employee is subject to rigorous state and national background checks prior to employment.
It’s unclear whether the incident Tellis is accused in took place before he was hired.
“The safety of our students is our highest priority,” the statement added. “Any conduct that compromises safety is unacceptable and will be met with swift action. We remain committed to maintaining a safe and supportive learning environment.”
Tellis is charged with felony sexual battery, soliciting a child using a computer, unlawful use of a two-way communications device and “offenses against students by authority figures,” according to his arrest report.
He remains in the Duval County jail without bond.
