JACKSONVILLE, FL – A 27-year-old former Jacksonville charter school teacher and dean, James Tellis, has been arrested on multiple felony charges related to child sexual abuse.
Tellis is facing felony charges of sexual battery on a child, offenses against students by an authority figure, soliciting a child online, and unlawful use of a communication device.
Detectives with the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office (JSO) Special Assault Unit learned that during the 2023–2024 school year, Tellis allegedly sexually abused a preteen student. He is also accused of using Instagram’s Vanish Mode to conceal messages and sending money to the victim. At the time of these alleged offenses, Tellis was employed as a teacher at a Westside charter school. He later resigned from that position and became the dean at a different charter school in Arlington, which terminated his employment following his arrest. (Due to Florida State Statute 119, the names of the schools cannot be released for victim privacy.)
Investigators reportedly recovered conversations containing evidence of the abuse and discussions about future sexual activity. Detectives believe there may be additional victims and are urging the public to come forward with any information.
JSO Community Problem Response (CPR) officers arrested Tellis at his Oakleaf home on Friday night. He is currently being held at the Duval County Jail without bond.
JSO is in close communication with Meta and the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding the potential for more victims, noting that these investigations require time.
Parents are encouraged to speak with their children about the risks of abuse and the importance of speaking up.
Anyone with information about James Tellis or other potential crimes is asked to call JSO immediately at 904.630.0500 or email JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org. To remain anonymous and be eligible for a possible reward of up to $3,000, contact First Coast Crime Stoppers at 1.866.845.TIPS (8477).
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