An assistant principal at a middle school in central Florida stands accused of improper conduct involving a 13-year-old student.
According to the Polk County Sheriff's Office (PCSO), Keiva Lark, a 53-year-old assistant principal at Lake Marion Creek Middle School, has been arrested and taken into custody at the county jail. She faces charges of lewd or lascivious conduct as well as committing a lewd act upon a student by someone in authority; these offenses are classified as second-degree felonies.
The inquiry started on April 4 following the report of the incident by the school’s principal to law enforcement officials. Both the Polk County School Board and the Florida Department of Children and Families were informed about this matter as well, with Lark being put on administrative leave during the probe, stated the sheriff's department.
As per the reports, the event took place after a student was referred to Lark’s office for tossing paper during class time. According to witnesses and the person involved, Lark asked the student to massage his feet, then proceeded to remove his footwear and positioned his legs over the student's lap. It is alleged that Lark criticized the student for improper foot-rubbing technique and showed them what they considered appropriate by rubbing the student’s arm and shoulder instead. Another staff member reportedly overheard Lark telling the student to “massage his feet as though he adored him” and made inappropriate comments about foreplay.
A witness informed PCSO that Lark subsequently confessed to overstepping boundaries during the event. During a forensic interrogation, the victim disclosed that Lark had called him "Sexy Chocolate" in the school corridor.
See also: Two middle school students from Polo Park Middle School were apprehended after they exchanged threatening messages.
Sheriff Grady Judd addressed the issue, stating, "Initially, Dr. Lark informed investigators that this was merely a prank intended to modestly put down the victim. It's entirely improper for a 53-year-old woman to behave and speak in such a manner towards a middle school boy. The severity escalates further knowing that she was his assistant principal and student."
The sheriff’s department stated that Lark subsequently admitted her behavior was not suitable for someone in her role, yet she refuted accusations of making improper remarks to the victim.
Superintendent Heid from Polk County Public Schools commented, “Such conduct is utterly unacceptable for individuals working alongside students, particularly those in administrative roles. This individual should have no place near children whatsoever. We applaud the swift response of the school principal in promptly reporting this matter, enabling us to act swiftly and collaborate with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office to safeguard our students.”
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