HS Band Director Allegedly Had Sex With Teens

[Anthony]

A former Poinciana High School band director is accused of having sex with two teens, according to Osceola County Sheriff's spokeswoman Twis Lizasuain.

Steven Velez, 25, of Kissimmee was arrested and charged with two counts of committing unlawful sexual acts with certain minors, a second-degree felony.

Authorities say their investigation began on November 18 when deputies took a report from a 17-year old student at Poinciana High. The student said it started the previous year when she was 16 years old. She began receiving text messages from Velez, who at the time was the band director at the school.

"He was sending her texts, which led her to going over to his house," Lizasuain said. Velez and the student allegedly began a sexual relationship, Lizasuain said.

The student told police there was another 17-year old student that may have had a sexual relationship with Velez. Investigators confirmed there was a second victim. Authorities say Velez was brought in for questioning. He was arrested and booked into the Osceola County Jail.

According to Osceola County schools spokeswoman, Dana Schafer, she said Velez was the high school's band director since August of 2012. He resigned last Wednesday, a day after police began investigating allegations against him.

"We found out about the allegation on Nov. 18, and immediately notified the proper authorities, which of course includes law enforcement," said Schafer.

 

[Peninha]

This is something really dangerous, sure, at 16 you have the body of an adult, but you're still very innocent and teachers can't take advantage of that.

 

[pattycake]

What else is news? The average 25 year old is still a child in the mind and can't distinguish themselves from a minor. So if we want protection for children against pedophiles and other child predators, then we have to raise our children with awareness of what's going on in life and teach them how to fend for themselves and defend themselves. It's bigger children of all ages who are endangering them. I'm tired of the same old news. Some guy stuck his wee wee in a child.

He's simply a big kid. Case closed.

Let's put a stop to that by nurturing smarter children.

Who will grow into smarter and more on the ball adults.

 

[Strykstar]

I think that in cases like this where the teachers and students have a relatively small gap between age, the school needs to pay extra attention on their behavior, not to excuse the teacher of course, he's nothing but a pedophile and deserves the worse, I'm just saying the school is also a bit responsible.

 

[mairj23]

Unfortunately, these situations are happening all too common these days. These teachers are taking advantage of these kids. There should be some screening before hiring teachers now a days. A male teacher will get time for this, while a female teacher usually gets off.