Manatee school employee arrested again after seeking sex with student, sheriff says

A Bayshore High School employee has been arrested for the second time this week over accusations that he asked students for sex, deputies say.

The 42-year-old high school employee and assistant football coach, Lagarius Spikes, allegedly made sexually explicit comments to a 15-year-old female student as early as August . The victim reported that she and Spikes, the graduation enhancement technician at the high school, had a conversation in his office on Nov. 12, in which he “expressed a desire to engage in sexual acts with her,” according to the Manatee County Sheriff’s Office.

Deputies first arrested Spikes in a similar case on Tuesday. The second arrest Wednesday night took place just hours after his release on a $25,000 bond for the same offense.

The Bradenton Herald previously reported on Spikes’ arrest on similar charges earlier this week. On Monday, a 16-year-old student’s parents reported that Spikes made sexually explicit comments to the student and asked the student for sex while in his office, according to a news release.

After information, including one audio recorded conversation, was gathered by detectives, the sheriff’s office reported that Spikes also allegedly sent sexually explicit messages over the phone to the 16-year-old student.

After paying the bond, Spikes was released from Manatee County Jail, but was arrested in his home just hours later, according to the sheriff’s office.

“These allegations are deeply troubling and violate the trust placed in educators,” the Manatee County School District said in a statement provided to the Bradenton Herald. “Such behavior is completely incompatible with the values and standards of our school district, and we will not tolerate any conduct that compromises the safety and well-being of our students.”

The district says they are continuing to provide counseling services to students and staff, and they encourage anyone with information to contact law enforcement.

Spikes is currently suspended, and further action will be discussed during the school board meeting scheduled for Friday, Dec. 9.

The investigation is ongoing, according to the sheriff’s office.