Lee County teacher arrested for alleged indecent liberties with minor

A Lee County teacher is facing several charges Friday, including indecent liberties with a minor.

The Lee County Sheriff’s Office received a report in April 2024 of an inappropriate relationship between a teacher, Frank Mauricio De Leon, 56, and a student that had allegedly occurred at Lee County High School.

"Got to talk to your kids. open communication. that's the biggest thing, let them know what's right and wrong," Christy Montgomery, parent said.

Montgomery checks in with her daughters for their wellbeing.

The mom of two -troubled to learn about a Lee County educator Whose accused of crossing the line with a minor at this school building.

"You screen teachers-think they are there to do what's best for kids. unfortunately, society is not what it used to be," Montgomery said.

A spokesperson with Lee County Schools said De Leon was terminated on April 19 after an investigation found his behavior toward a student "non-sexual but inappropriate."

The spokesperson said the school’s findings were reported to law enforcement, which contributed to the sheriff's office's investigation and arrest of De Leon on separate charges.

Investigators performed a search warrant at De Leon's home, where evidence was taken. De Leon was arrested and charged with indecent liberties with a minor, felony secret peeping (three counts) and second-degree sexual exploitation of a minor.

De Leon was placed under a $250,000 secured bond in the Lee County Jail.

Child safety advocate Cristin DeRonja says critical conversations with children help parents stay informed...when they aren't able to observe every interaction at school.

"It's our responsibility of protectors of children to make sure we are plugged in, we are engaged with people our children are spending time with," Cristin DeRonja, Operation SAFEChild said.

Sheriff Brian Estes with a bold statement on Facebook regarding the arrest of De Leon, stating:

"My office will exhaust every ounce of effort, targeting these predators to keep them out of OUR community."

According to the district, the charges that led to De Leon's arrest do not involve any current or former student.

The district released the following statement: "The school system is grateful for its partnership with the Lee County Sheriff’s Office, whose responsiveness and thorough investigation uncovered these much more serious concerns from outside of school."