The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office has arrested a former BridgePrep Academy after-school care teacher for sending inappropriate messages to a student.
Between January and February of 2023, a 13-year-old student at the BridgePrep Academy of Riverview received inappropriate TikTok messages from Marcos Suarez Arroyo, 20, who was employed as an after-school care teacher at the time of the incident.
The incident was reported to HCSO on December 12, 2023, after Suarez Arroyo had been fired from the school.
During this investigation, several inappropriate written messages were observed, along with statements of soliciting, luring, and enticing the 13-year-old victim to engage in unlawful sexual conduct. Suarez Arroyo confessed to detectives that he sent the messages to the 13-year-old victim.
“The despicable actions of this man are infuriating and disgusting as he sought to prey upon a vulnerable minor, all while holding the trusted position of a teacher,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “I am grateful to our detectives who work tirelessly to protect and defend the innocent children in our community to ensure that parents are able to confidently send their children to school knowing they will be safe.”
At this time, we do not believe there are any other victims. However, if anyone believes they are a victim of Saurez Arroyo, please contact HCSO at 813-247-8200.