A 51-year-old North Port High School music teacher, David Sommer, was arrested Thursday after police said he engaged in sexual activity with a minor on multiple occasions. The case has shaken the school community and triggered a criminal investigation that authorities say remains active. District records indicate Sommer has worked in Sarasota County Schools for several years.
North Port police took Sommer into custody on Thursday following an investigation into the reported encounters, which detectives allege happened on multiple occasions. Chief Todd Garrison said there is "no place in our community for anyone who would harm a child," and investigators noted that the Sarasota County Schools Police Department assisted with the case. Officers have asked anyone who may have information or believe they were affected to call the department's tip line at (941) 429-7300, according to 10 Tampa Bay.
The Sarasota County Schools directory lists Sommer as a senior music teacher at North Port High School, confirming his role on campus, per the school’s online staff listings and contact page at North Port High School.
Investigation and legal context
Florida law includes criminal statutes that address sexual activity between adults and minors. One such statute, F.S. 794.05, covers unlawful sexual activity with certain minors and outlines potential penalties tied to the ages of those involved and the circumstances of the case. Those penalties and any eventual charges are determined by prosecutors after detectives forward evidence to the State Attorney’s Office, according to the Florida Senate.
District response
Sarasota County Schools has said it is fully cooperating with law enforcement as the investigation moves forward. Superintendent Terry Connor emphasized the importance of community members coming forward and relying on official channels for information. "We are grateful for those who came forward and followed the 'see something, say something' principle," Connor said, according to 10 Tampa Bay.
Investigators say the probe is ongoing. Anyone with information is urged to contact the North Port Police Department non-emergency line at (941) 429-7300 or reach out to district officials through the school’s website. For more contact details, visit the North Port Police Department and North Port High School pages.
