News Summary
Mikayla Rich, a 30-year-old teacher in Leon County, was arrested following allegations of a three-year sexual relationship with a 16-year-old student. Rich, who previously served as principal at Acts Christian Academy and most recently taught at Apalachee Elementary, faces serious charges. The community remains concerned about student safety and the actions being taken in this ongoing investigation.
Leon County, Florida – A local teacher, Mikayla Rich, aged 30, was arrested on October 15 by the Leon County Sheriff’s Office following a thorough investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct involving a minor. The investigation, which was conducted by the Criminal Investigations Bureau, commenced in August after concerns were raised about Rich’s interactions with a student.
Rich is accused of having engaged in a “relationship” with a 16-year-old student that reportedly spanned approximately three years. At the onset of this relationship, Rich was 27 years old while the victim was still 16. Evidence gathered throughout the investigation, including multiple interviews, helped to validate the allegations and resulted in the identification of probable cause for her arrest.
She has been formally charged with one count of Offenses Against Students by Authority Figures, which is classified as a second-degree felony. When the incidents took place, Rich held the position of principal at Acts Christian Academy. More recently, she was employed as a third-grade teacher at Apalachee Elementary School. However, officials from the Leon County Schools district have confirmed that she is no longer employed with them.
According to a Facebook post dating back to 2024 from Pentecostals of the Capital City, an affiliated church, Rich had been recognized for her leadership at Acts Christian Academy before her recent employment. However, specific court records detailing the allegations against her are currently unavailable.
As the investigation unfolds, Chris Petley, a spokesperson for Leon County Schools, confirmed that Rich was still listed as a staff member at Apalachee Elementary School but has since been placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of disciplinary actions related to the allegations. In an effort to further understand the events surrounding this case, the sheriff’s office has urged anyone with additional information to reach out to their office at 850-606-3300.
This developing story reminds the community of the critical concerns regarding the safety and welfare of students in educational environments. Educators and school staff are held to high standards, particularly when it comes to appropriate interactions with minors.
The implications of such allegations can be profound, not only for individuals involved but also for educational institutions and the communities they serve. The ongoing investigation serves as a crucial reminder of the importance of oversight in educational settings to protect students from potential abuse.
The consequences of this case may set a precedent for how similar allegations are handled in the future, highlighting the need for clear policies and accountability measures within schools. As more information becomes available, the community remains vigilant regarding the protection of their students and the trust placed in their educators.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Former Youth Director Faces Felony Charges in Leon County
Tallahassee Community Faces Major Challenges Amid Key Developments
Leon County Schools Employee Placed on Leave Amid Molestation Allegations
Florida Legislature Approves Cell Phone and Animal Cruelty Bills
Leon County School District Announces New Principal Appointments
Leon High School Student Arrested for Assaulting Teacher
Tallahassee School Principal Resigns Amid Financial Controversy
Violence Erupts at Nims vs. Cobb Basketball Game
Republican Candidates Jimmy Patronis and Randy Fine Win Nominations
Additional Resources
- Tallahassee.com: Apalachee Elementary Teacher Arrested
- WTXL: Local Teacher Arrested in Connection with Sexual Misconduct
- Tallahassee.com: Ex-Tallahassee Teacher Charged for Sending Nude Photos to Minor
- Tallahassee.com: Florida Teacher Accused of Disciplining Students with Bungee Cord
- Wikipedia: Sexual Misconduct
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.
