The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a substitute teacher for Battery following an altercation with a student.
On March 25, 2025, at 9:35 a.m., a substitute teacher at Webb Middle School, Benjamin Barnes, 26, got into a verbal altercation with a 14-year-old male student. During the argument, Barnes used racially charged language, attempted to instigate a fight, and grabbed the student's cell phone out of his hands. The student fled the classroom and reported the altercation to a school resource deputy. Barnes was arrested and charged with Battery.
"What happened today is a betrayal of everything an educator is supposed to represent," said Sheriff Chad Chronister. "Our teachers are supposed to create a safe space for learning and respect, not fear and intimidation. This behavior is completely unacceptable, and this teacher will face the consequences of their actions."
Barnes is a substitute teacher with Kelly Services and is not an employee of Hillsborough County Public Schools.
This is an active investigation. Any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.