News Summary
Terrance Booker, a former youth director in Leon County, has entered a not guilty plea to multiple felony charges of sexual molestation involving a minor. Investigations by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office led to new evidence prompting these charges after a previous investigation yielded no results. Currently on administrative leave from his position at W.T. Moore Elementary School, concerns regarding the safety of children in church and school environments remain paramount. The case has drawn attention to the need for stronger safeguards against sexual misconduct within community institutions.
Leon County, Florida – Former youth director Terrance Booker faces felony charges related to allegations of sexual molestation of a boy at his church. On October 14th, Booker entered a not guilty plea to the charges during a court hearing, which he did not attend in person or via Zoom. The charges include one count of Lewd and Lascivious Battery and two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Molestation.
The investigation by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office (LCSO) began in July 2025 after the allegations were made public. This is not the first time Booker has been investigated for such allegations; he was previously investigated in 2020 for sexually molesting three juvenile male members from the same church. However, that investigation did not yield sufficient evidence, leading the case to be placed in a suspended status pending new information. Following new evidence, authorities have now established probable cause for both the previous and the current cases against him.
After the allegations surfaced, Booker voluntarily turned himself in to law enforcement last month. He is currently employed as a school employee at W.T. Moore Elementary School. In light of the serious accusations, the school district placed him on administrative leave while the investigation is ongoing. Principal William Millard addressed the concerns related to the allegations directly with parents, teachers, and staff at the elementary school, aiming to maintain transparency within the community.
As the investigation unfolds, it remains unclear whether the incidents involving Booker occurred on church or school property. The LCSO is actively seeking additional information from anyone who may have knowledge regarding the incidents, emphasizing the importance of community involvement in shedding light on the case.
Booker is scheduled to return to court in January, where further proceedings will take place. This case raises serious questions and concerns regarding the safety and welfare of children, especially in environments that are traditionally considered safe, such as places of worship and schools.
Background Context
The allegations against Terrance Booker highlight ongoing issues related to trust and safety within both church and educational settings. Cases of sexual misconduct within various institutions, including religious organizations, have prompted increased scrutiny and calls for stronger safeguarding measures to protect children. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any suspicious behavior to authorities. As this case develops, it serves as a reminder of the critical importance of protecting vulnerable populations and ensuring that appropriate actions are taken when allegations arise.
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Additional Resources
- WTXL: Former Leon Co Church Youth Director Pleads Not Guilty
- Wikipedia: Sexual Misconduct
- WTXL: Youth Church Director Arrested
- Google Search: Child Protection in Church
- WTXL: Local News In Your Neighborhood
- Google Scholar: Child Safety in Schools
- 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.
