The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a man and woman in connection to lewd or lascivious molestation. HCSO reports that 38-year-old Jonathan Sheppard was arrested and charged with two counts of Authority Figure Soliciting or Engaging in a Romantic Relationship with a Student and Lewd or Lascivious Molestation.

Sheppard previously worked at Henderson Hammock Charter School. It is alleged that he inappropriately touched a student and sent inappropriate messages during the 2023 – 2023 school year. 48-year-old Theresa Cruz was also arrested in connection to this incident.

HCSO says Cruz was working as the Hillsborough County Public School’s Security Officer at Henderson Hammock. It is alleged that she interfered with the school’s initial investigation into the allegations against Sheppard.

Cruz is charged with two counts of Tampering with a Witness and Obstruction.