Jacksonville charter school employee arrested, accused of sexual battery
Share this @internewscast.com

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.

Share this @internewscast.com
You May Also Like
Judge sets sentencing date for Jacksonville rapper Ksoo convicted of murder

Live | Sentencing today for Jacksonville rapper Ksoo and co-defendant ATK Scotty following murder conviction

Ksoo and his co-defendant Leroy Whitaker, also known as ATK Scotty, are…
Florida man cites barber appointment after getting clocked going more than 100 mph

Florida Man Caught Speeding Over 100 mph Claims He Was Rushing to Barber Appointment

A Florida man who was clocked going more than 100 miles per…
Illegal immigrant tied to 17 rapes and deported 8 times, faces reinstated charges

Individual Deported Eight Times Faces Renewed Charges Linked to Multiple Assault Cases

An undocumented immigrant suspected of serial rape and linked to up to…
Charlie Kirk assassination: Exclusive photos show path to campus rooftop weeks later as access scrutinized

Charlie Kirk Incident: New Photos Reveal Route to Campus Rooftop Amid Security Review

“Many campus police departments do not have drone programs, which poses a…
UVU Professor’s CIA Ties Vanish After Kirk Event

CIA Connections of UVU Professor Disappear Post-Kirk Event

A social media investigation has surfaced claims that a Utah Valley University…
Michigan church shooter's family reacts to viral fundraising effort by community faith members

Family of Michigan Church Shooter Responds to Viral Community Fundraising Effort

The relatives of Thomas Jacob Sanford, responsible for a tragic shooting at…
New Bears stadium renderings released, along with report on projected cost, economic impact of Arlington Heights, Illinois project

Renderings of New Bears Stadium Unveiled, Plus Cost and Economic Impact Report for Arlington Heights, Illinois

ARLINGTON HEIGHTS, Ill. (WLS) — We have received initial insights into the…
Criminal gangs recruiting teenage girls as assassins and bombers, officials warn

Officials Warn: Teenage Girls Being Recruited by Criminal Gangs as Assassins and Bombers

Sweden is currently facing a unique type of gang violence where teenage…
National parks will remain 'generally' open during the shutdown, but Liberty Bell doors are closed

Most National Parks to Stay Open Amid Shutdown, but Liberty Bell is Off-Limits

NEW YORK (AP) — A sizable crowd boarded boats to explore the…
Mountain bikers find missing hiker wandering wilderness in underwear

Lost hiker discovered in wilderness by mountain bikers, found wearing only underwear

A group of resourceful mountain bikers encountered a hiker missing for two…
Government shutdown update: Federal government shutdown begins as nation faces new period of uncertainty

Government Shutdown Begins, Ushering in New Era of Uncertainty

WASHINGTON — With no deal in sight to extend funding, the U.S.…
Random blue city stabbing death fuels new bail bill as ‘activists’ ripped for lack of crime crackdown: expert

911 Audio Released of Fatal Train Stabbing of Iryna Zarutska in Charlotte

The Charlotte-Mecklenburg Police Department has released recordings of five 911 calls made…