Tavares High School Athletic Trainer Accused of Drinking With Students

An athletic trainer for Tavares High School was arrested Wednesday after he allegedly partied with students in the Ocala National Forest.

The man is accused of purchasing alcohol for the party that was lit by a bonfire, and when the drinks ran out, went back to the store for more, according to a Lake County Sheriff’s incident report.

The 31-year-old Mount Dora man was charged with three counts of providing alcohol to a person under 21 and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.

He resigned from his position on Thursday.

According to the report, the man met up with the juveniles, purchased alcohol and jumped in a car with them. The group apparently went to a party in the forest. A sheriff’s spokesman said at least two of the juveniles were students at the high school.

Deputies discovered the incident after a concerned parent provided a video of the man allegedly partying with students.

When questioned, the man apparently told police he only went to the party after receiving a call that someone there was intoxicated and needed a ride home. He contended he tried to encourage the party-goers to go home.

Deputies identified the students from the video, and claim that one of the students said the man purchased them alcohol.

The man was arrested and later released from the Lake County Jail after he posted a $6,500 bond.

The man has been employed with the school for four years and has no prior employee disciplinary.

Criminal charges involving minors are nothing to laugh about. As this case shows, charges like these can have serious ramifications on your life, including hefty fines, job loss, and a permanent stain on your criminal record. In Florida, contributing to the delinquency of a minor is a first-degree misdemeanor, punishable by a $1,000 fine and up to one year in jail.

Our Villages Criminal Defense Lawyers at Whittel & Melton can help you defeat the criminal charges you are up against. Depending on the facts of your case, we could find evidence that could help with getting your charges reduced or dismissed.

For a free consultation, call us today at 352-369-5334 or contact us online.