Lecanto teacher arrested, accused of sending lewd text messages to student

Citrus County, Florida - On May 24, a Lecanto High School teacher was arrested by the Citrus County Sheriff's Office as the result of an investigation that began, late Friday evening, May 21, when a member of the administrative staff of Lecanto High School (LHS) was contacted with allegations that a LHS teacher, 33 year-old Adam Joseph Joerres of Inverness, FL, had been sending lewd text messages and images to a student. School officials immediately contacted the Citrus County Sheriff’s Office (CCSO), and the Department of Children and Families (DCF).

According to a CCSO media release, Detective Mission, with the agency's Special Victims Unit, obtained evidence, that during the past several months, Mr. Joerres had been sending inappropriate text messages, with sexual content, to a student.

Mr. Joerres was arrested by CCSO detectives while he was on his way to work, Monday morning, May 24, according to information released by the school district. During an interview with detectives, Joerres made statements that confirmed the allegation made against him, according to a CCSO press release. He was charged with soliciting or engaging in sexual conduct with a student as an authoriy figure. He was transported to the Citrus County Detention Facility with his bond set at $10,000.

According to the Citrus County School District, Joerres has resigned from his job. Joerres worked at Lecanto Middle School, intermittently, from 2016 to 2018. He started teaching at Lecanto High School in November 2020. Joerres was a math teacher and also coached the Lady Panthers flag football team.

“The Citrus County School District remains steadfast to provide a safe and secure environment for all students and staff," said Superintendent Sam Himmel. "When we become aware of individuals who may have subjected our students to inappropriate behavior, we act swiftly to protect the student body.”

"Very few professions are as trusted with nurturing our children as teachers are," said Citrus County Sheriff Mike Prendergast. "Unfortunately, in his official capacity, Joerres abused our community's trust in him. A school should always be a place of safety and learning, not somewhere that a predator like Joerres takes advantage of their position and authority."