PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla. — A Palm Beach County middle school teacher was arrested Monday after accusations that he was having inappropriate contact with a minor.
The suspect, Christopher T. Withers, 32, taught at Watson B. Duncan Middle School in Palm Beach Gardens.
Palm Beach Gardens police said they began investigating the case on March 25 after receiving information from the Palm Beach County School District Police Department.
Police said Withers was booked Monday at the Palm Beach County jail, and the investigation is still "active and ongoing."
Watson B. Duncan Middle School Principal Phillip D'Amico sent a statement to families and staff regarding the arrest.
"The School District takes this matter very seriously. An internal investigation is currently underway, and Mr. Withers will not be returning to our campus," D'Amico said.
Withers faces multiple counts of lewd and lascivious behavior on a victim aged 12-16, sex offenses involving an authority figure and a student and also cruelty toward a child.
Below is the full statement the principal sent to families and staff Monday:
Good afternoon, Watson B. Duncan Middle School families and staff,
I am writing to inform you that an instructional staff member, Mr. Christopher Withers, was arrested by School Police and Palm Beach Gardens Police Department for inappropriate contact with a minor.
The School District takes this matter very seriously. An internal investigation is currently underway, and Mr. Withers will not be returning to our campus. Please understand that due to the ongoing investigation, I am unable to provide further details at this time.
My top priority remains the safety and well-being of our students. While it is believed that this is an isolated incident, anyone with additional information is advised to contact School Police at (561) 434-8700, attention Lt. Cecil Wagner.
Thank you for your continued support of Watson B. Duncan Middle School. If you have any questions or concerns, please feel free to contact the school administration.
Phillip D'Amico
Principal
Watson B. Duncan Middle School
