ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Parents are responding to the news that a Bartram Trail High School teacher is implicated in a felony sex crime investigation after being accused of inappropriate behavior in front of young girls at St. Augustine Beach.

Christopher Ford, 29, a history teacher and boys’ golf coach, has been placed on paid leave by the St. Johns County school district and may face termination.

Documents obtained by First Coast News include a letter from Superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen confirming Ford’s disciplinary leave status.

According to the arrest report, Ford approached a group of girls swimming on Saturday, standing intentionally close to them, which raised concerns among nearby parents.

Investigators report that Ford acted inappropriately in the water and was later observed approaching a second group of young girls, positioning himself so that a girl was repeatedly pushed into him by waves.

Parents of students expressed alarm and disappointment over the allegations.

“It’s very sad, he jeopardized his future, his career,” said Jasmin Louie, a parent whose daughter recently graduated from Bartram Trail High and was once a student of Ford’s.

Ford has denied any wrongdoing, according to the arrest report, but the community remains concerned.

“He shouldn’t be in the business of teaching children,” said Dawn Wilcox, a parent in the area.

Dr. Asplen said in a statement:

“I expect all employees to adhere to high standards of ethical, professional, and civil conduct in all interactions while helping our students to be academically successful.”

At the upcoming regular school board meeting on September 9, the superintendent intends to recommend his termination.

“That’s not what we want in our community, not in this city,” Louie said. “We want Bartram to be one of the best schools in the area.”