A former Hillsborough County classroom teacher was arrested Friday and charged with having sex with a student. The incident allegedly took place in June 2010.

More than a year ago, on June 8, 2010, Tampa Police were contacted by the Hillsborough County School District in reference to a teacher allegedly having a sexual relationship with a student. The suspect was arrested on a warrant Friday. Officials learned of the incident after the student allegedly told friends about it. The victim was 16 at the time the offense took place.

According to the investigation, Dwight Levasiyea Ellick, 28, allegedly took the victim to his apartment on June 4, 2010, where the sexual encounter took place. He was employed as a Math teacher at Freedom High School at the time. The Tampa Police completed their investigation into the complaint and turned their findings over to the Hillsborough County State Attorney’s Office.

The State Attorney’s Office recently decided to seek prosecution and issued a warrant for Ellick’s arrest. He was taken into custody at his residence without incident. Ellick was placed under a bond of $7,500.[private]

Ms. Linda Cobbe, spokesperson for the Hillsborough County School District said that after the allegation became known, Ellick was transferred to an attendance office at a non-school location to work. He worked at the facility until June 30th, when his contract was not renewed by the Hillsborough County School District.

A graduate of Wharton High School, Ellick was a starter on the football team and won a scholarship to Notre Dame University. At Notre Dame, he also played football.

After graduation, Ellick returned to Tampa and began working as a substitute teacher with the school district in 2007. He was hired as a Math teacher in December 2008 and assigned to Freedom High School. He remained there until June of last year when the investigation began.[/private]