JOHNATHAN SHEPPARD

THERESA CRUZ

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a former Henderson Hammock Charter School teacher for inappropriate conduct against a student.

On May 6, 2024, detectives arrested Johnathan Sheppard, 38, for inappropriately touching a student and for sending inappropriate text messages during the 2023-2024 school year.

Sheppard was suspended on April 11, 2024, as a result of the investigation, and on April 19, the school terminated his employment. He was charged with two counts of authority figure soliciting or engaging in a romantic relationship with a student; and lewd or lascivious molestation (defendant over 18; victim 12 – 15) (authority figure over student).

During the investigation, detectives discovered that the Hillsborough County Public School’s Security Officer assigned to the charter school, Theresa Cruz, 48, had interfered with the school’s initial investigation into the allegations by providing Sheppard with details.

Theresa Cruz was arrested and charged with two counts of tampering with a witness (1st degree felony); and obstruction (resist without violence).

Detectives are asking if anyone believes they may have been a victim of Johnathan Sheppard; please call HCSO at 813-247-8200.

This is still an active investigation.