A Florida teacher was arrested after professing her love for a 13-year-old boy — whom she tried to kiss a year earlier, police said.
Andrea Jimenez, 47, a former science teacher at Doral International Math and Science Academy, surrendered to authorities Friday on charges of lewd and lascivious assault on a child, reported CNN. She was released from Turner Guilford Knight Correction Center after posting $17,500 bond.
According to an arrest affidavit, Jimenez would regularly “lure” the child to her class after school, and on the last day of class in May 2018, she even tried to kiss the student, then age 12. She downloaded several social media apps over the summer to write the boy during the break, cops said.
“I will go to hell for u. Die for u stop eating to feed u. My love for u is so real and huge !!! I don’t mind facing the devil himself for u,” one message read, according to reports.
Other messages allegedly asked the boy if he would engage in lewd acts with her. Jimenez — who police say warned the child not to talk to girls his own age — also bought gifts for the boy including electronics, clothing, toys and books, reported WPTV.
Prior to her arrest, Jimenez reportedly told school personnel about her inappropriate behavior and said she was worried about her job. A short time later, the boy’s mother found the disturbing social media messages and reported Jimenez to the school, according to CNN. Police began investigating Jimenez last Wednesday.
A school spokesperson told WPTV that Jimenez was no longer employed at the school, adding that this is the first time Jimenez is accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student.
“As this is an ongoing investigation, school administrators will continue to work closely with authorities. The school’s top priority is the privacy, safety, and security of students and families,” the school said in a statement.
“The school has committed additional personnel to support students who may have questions or need to share concerns regarding these matters,” the statement continued.