Teacher removed from classroom as allegations of improper touching of student are investigated

The Manatee County School District has removed a Lincoln Middle School teacher from the classroom as allegations the teacher inappropriately touched a student are investigated.

On Tuesday, the allegations were reported to the school resource officer, according to Palmetto Police Chief Scott Tyler. Detectives were called out to the school, but several students still needed to be interviewed, and the investigation resumed on Wednesday.

“There were allegations of improper student contact that resulted in the immediate removal of a teacher from the classroom and any student contact,” the district said in an issued statement. “No arrests were made. This matter is presently under investigation by the district.”

District officials said the incident is being investigated by the Office of Professional Standards investigator.

District spokesman Mike Barber said no communication had gone out to parents at the school yet.

“We just found out about this last night, so at this point there hasn’t been (communication),” Barber said. “We will discuss that and make a decision today.”

Meanwhile, the criminal case against a former graduation enhancement technician at Lincoln Middle School, Lamont Houston, is set to go to trial in October.

Houston, also a former junior varsity basketball coach at Palmetto High School, was arrested in September and charged with sexual battery of a child between ages 12 and 18, lewd and lascivious molestation of a child between the ages 12 and 16, and child abuse for someone 21 years or older impregnating a child under the age of 16.

Charges against Houston have since been amended to two counts of sexual battery of a child between ages 12 and 18 by someone in a custodial role. If convicted, he could face up to life in prison.

Houston is currently out on bonds totaling $50,000. Immediately following his arrest, Houston resigned from his position at Lincoln, indicating he would not fight to get his job back.

The school district confirmed on Wednesday that Houston no longer works for the district.

This story was originally published April 26, 2017 at 10:39 AM with the headline "Teacher removed from classroom as allegations of improper touching of student are investigated."