A Winter Haven High School teacher and boys’ tennis coach is facing serious charges after deputies say he sexually battered a 15-year-old student multiple times, starting shortly after classes let out in May and intensifying in July. Investigators say the alleged relationship, which they describe as criminal and exploitative, triggered a fast-moving probe once it came to light.
What police say
Detectives arrested 55-year-old Otis Cutshaw of Winter Haven on Thursday and booked him on multiple counts of sexual battery by a custodial figure, along with related charges tied to electronic communications and explicit images. According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation started July 22 after authorities discovered the student had what they describe as an inappropriate relationship with Cutshaw. Detectives say deleted messages and media between the two were recovered through forensic analysis.
Teacher's role at the school
Local coverage identifies Cutshaw as a robotics teacher who also coached boys’ tennis at Winter Haven High, with involvement in the school’s Technology Student Association, according to FOX 13 Tampa Bay. The sheriff’s release includes a statement attributed to Superintendent Fred Heid saying the district is moving to terminate Cutshaw’s employment and will continue to cooperate fully with detectives.
What the charges mean under Florida law
Florida law treats sexual offenses committed by people who hold authority over students as especially serious. Sexual battery by a person in familial or custodial authority is classified as a first-degree felony, and separate statutes covering “offenses against students by authority figures” allow for enhanced penalties or reclassification of offenses. The provisions cited in similar prosecutions are laid out in Fla. Stat. §794.011 and Fla. Stat. §800.101, which are published by the Florida Senate and the Florida Senate, respectively.
Investigation and next steps
According to detectives, Cutshaw admitted to traveling to the victim’s residence and to engaging in sexual encounters, and also acknowledged exchanging explicit photos and videos with the student. Those statements, investigators say, are detailed in the law-enforcement report. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office notes that the investigation is still active and that all charges are allegations until proven in court, with more information expected as they pursue additional leads.
Community resources and reporting
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office included media contact information in its public release and is asking anyone who may have information related to the case to contact investigators. The school district says it will keep working with law enforcement while it follows through on personnel decisions and offers support to students who may be affected.
