Port Orange, FL - Arin Hankerd, Teacher and Football Coach at Atlantic High School, Arrested For Sexual Relationship With 15 Year Old Student

FL High School Coach Arrested For Having Sex With Student

According to ClickOrlando, a gym teacher and football coach was arrested Sunday by Port Orange Police after officers responded to a residence regarding a “relationship” between the teacher and a 15-year-old student of Atlantic High School located at 1250 Reed Canal Rd, Port Orange, FL 32129.

Arin Hankerd, 42, has been teaching and coaching at the school for about two years and has also taught and coached at Mainland and Father Lopez high schools in Daytona Beach.

According to the charging affidavit, the girl’s mother found a journal with entries detailing her contact with Hankerd. The student and Hankerd used Instagram to communicate. According to the affidavit, the coach would send inappropriate photos to the girl using the app.

Hankerd and the student had sexual interactions in a portable classroom and a gym storage room at the school on several occasions, the report said.

Volusia County Schools released a statement Monday saying Hankerd had resigned. Police said Hankerd was arrested on “several criminal charges” and is being held at the Volusia County Jail with a total bond of $115,000. The charges included two counts of lewd and lascivious molestation of a person older than 12 years of age but younger than 16, traveling to meet a minor and using a computer for lewd and lascivious exhibition. 

Update: 30 Former Students Contact Police Following Teachers Arrest For Sexual Abuse

Fox 35 Orlando reported that since the arrest of Arin Hankerd, 30 more women have reached out to Port Orange detectives. Of these, four victims claim to have been sexually abused by the former teacher. These recent victims claim the incidents took place at schools other than Atlantic High School. 

Can I Sue if A High School Coach Sexually Abused Me?

Attorney contributor Michael Haggard often represents sex abuse victims and their families in civil lawsuits across the state of Florida. Michael recently answered a commonly asked question, "can I sue if a high school coach sexually abused me?"

"It is the duty of every high school to protect its students from all forms of abuse, including sexual abuse. Unfortunately, numerous students have been groomed and sexually abused by a high school coach or another school employee. In such cases, the high school has a legal duty to protect the student victims and hold the abuser accountable for their actions."

"Schools must take reasonable steps to prevent sexual abuse, such as comprehensive background checks on coaches and other staff, training to recognize signs of grooming behavior, and clear policies and procedures that are communicated to all members of the school community. Furthermore, the school must take swift action to investigate and address any reports of sexual abuse, and ensure that all victims of abuse are provided with appropriate support, counseling, and other resources."

"Victims of sexual abuse by a high school coach or other school employee have the right to pursue legal action against the abuser, as well as the school if it is found to have failed in its duty to protect the student, or if its negligence or deliberate inaction contributed to the abuse. Victims can also seek compensation from the school or abuser to cover medical and mental health expenses, pain and suffering, and other damages. Victims of school sex abuse should speak to an experienced sex abuse lawyer to explore their legal rights."

Sources:

ClickOrlando

Fox 35