News Summary
Terrance Booker, a youth director and elementary school employee, has been placed on administrative leave after being charged with sexual molestation. The investigation by Leon County Sheriff’s Office follows new allegations involving inappropriate contact with a juvenile male church member. This isn’t the first incident, as Booker faced similar accusations in 2020 that did not lead to charges. The local community is deeply concerned about the impact of these allegations and the safety of children involved with the school and church.
Tallahassee, Florida – Terrance Booker, a 40-year-old employee at W.T. Moore Elementary School and a youth director at Life Changers Church of God in Christ, has been placed on administrative leave following charges of sexual molestation. The Leon County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) initiated an investigation after receiving accusations that Booker had sexually molested a juvenile male church member.
According to the communications director for Leon County Schools, Chris Petley, Booker self-reported the allegations to the school district, which prompted his administrative leave. The principal of W.T. Moore Elementary School, William Millard, communicated the situation to parents, teachers, and staff, assuring them that the incidents in question occurred off-campus.
The current allegations are particularly troubling, as this is not the first time Booker has drawn concern. In 2020, he was investigated by the LCSO after three juvenile male church members accused him of sexual molestation. However, that investigation did not result in any charges due to a lack of sufficient evidence. The latest investigation has now established probable cause for one count of Lewd and Lascivious Battery and two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation, connecting both the prior and recent allegations.
Following his arrest, Booker was booked into the Leon County Detention Facility, where he later posted a bond set at $35,000. The accusations against him include inappropriate contact that allegedly occurred during sleepovers at his residence, which were initially intended to involve other juveniles as well. The specific timeline of the incidents remains unclear, and it is yet to be confirmed whether additional victims exist within the church or school communities. The LCSO is actively encouraging anyone with information related to the case to come forward.
In response to the allegations, Life Changers Church of God in Christ has stated that Booker has been suspended from all functions since June or July. The safety of the youth and the reputation of the church are paramount, and the church is cooperating fully with the investigation.
Parents in the Tallahassee community have expressed deep concern over the situation. Reports indicate that some children are grappling with fear and sleeplessness due to the nature of the allegations against a trusted adult. The investigation and allegations have sparked anxiety among families connected to both the school and church, highlighting the far-reaching impact of such serious accusations.
The LCSO has not yet clarified whether the incidents took place on church grounds, school property, or elsewhere, leaving many members of the community unsettled. Parents are urged to remain vigilant and communicate openly with their children during this troubling time.
As the investigation progresses, the Leon County community watches closely, hoping for a resolution that will ensure the safety and well-being of all its children.
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Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Church Employee Arrested
- Wikipedia: Child Molestation
- Abuse Guardian: Terrance Booker Case
- Google Search: Terrance Booker Charges
- Tallahassee.com: Missy Mogle Case
- Google Scholar: Florida Child Abuse Laws
- WTXL: Chattahoochee Man Charged
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Child Abuse
Author: STAFF HERE TALLAHASSEE WRITER
The TALLAHASSEE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERETallahassee.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Tallahassee, Leon County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Springtime Tallahassee, Tallahassee Jazz & Blues Festival, and LeMoyne Chain of Parks Art Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Greater Tallahassee Chamber of Commerce and United Way of the Big Bend, plus leading businesses in education, healthcare, and insurance that power the local economy such as Florida State University, Tallahassee Memorial HealthCare, and Capital Health Plan. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
