A former substitute teacher in Polk County is facing charges after a high school student accused him of establishing an inappropriate relationship with her. Chase Crabb, 23, was arrested after the 16-year-old student from Haines City High School reported receiving sexual messages and pictures from him, the Polk County Sheriff's Office disclosed. According to reports by WFLA, the communication between Crabb and the student began over email in December 2023 and later escalated to texts, TikTok, Instagram, and Discord messages.
The investigation uncovered that Crabb sent sexually suggestive messages and images of his crotch, and even solicited nude images from the student, aiming to pursue further sexual activities. The student, initially 15 when the interactions began, was approached by Crabb after she mentioned a breakup with her boyfriend. The messages, as documented by officials, included texts like, "Uhhhhh, I mean is it wrong for me to be sexually attracted to a minor? WHO SAID THAT," according to the charges filed against him, as reported by WFLA.
Chase Crabb, no longer active as a teacher since March 2024 due to inactivity, was terminated by Kelly Services, which manages substitute teaching placements for Polk County Public Schools. Despite this, reports by Mid Florida Newspapers indicate that there were no previous reports of inappropriate behavior recorded. His charges include the transmission of harmful material to a minor and unlawful use of a two-way communication device.
"It’s unacceptable and disgusting for any educator to use their position to have inappropriate contact with a student," said Fred Heid, Superintendent of Polk County Public Schools, in a statement obtained by FOX 13. Sheriff Grady Judd added, "Sexual exploitation of any child by anyone, in every circumstance is horrific and unacceptable, especially when it’s a substitute teacher."
