OCALA, Fla. — A 34-year-old fifth-grade teacher at Ocala Christian Academy has been arrested after police say he admitted to secretly photographing underneath a student’s skirt during recess.
Joel Gould, 34, was arrested by Ocala Police Detective Grosso and charged with digital voyeurism, a second-degree felony, following an investigation into the incident.
The investigation began Tuesday, October 27, 2026, when the Ocala Police Department received a report from concerned parents about an incident that occurred during recess the previous Friday, October 23.
According to police, a witness reported seeing Gould position his cellphone underneath a student’s skirt while the child stood on a picnic table beside him.
The student later told investigators she felt something touching her leg several times. She then realized it was Gould’s phone, with its camera pointed upward beneath her skirt.
Teacher Admitted to Taking Photos, Police Say
After learning about the accusations, the student’s parents contacted the Ocala Police Department.
Detectives investigated the allegations and interviewed Gould, who admitted to taking photographs underneath the child’s skirt, according to police.
Based on the student’s statement, the witness account and Gould’s admission, Detective Grosso determined there was probable cause to arrest him on a digital voyeurism charge.
The offense was elevated from a third-degree felony to a second-degree felony because Gould held a position of authority over the student as her teacher.
Gould was taken into custody and transported to the Marion County Jail.
Ocala Police Concerned There May Be Additional Victims
Investigators said the nature of the allegations has raised concerns that other students or individuals may have experienced similar conduct involving Gould.
The Ocala Police Department is asking anyone with information about Gould or anyone who may have experienced inappropriate contact involving him to come forward.
Anyone with information is encouraged to contact the Ocala Police Department at 352-369-7000.