PEMBROKE PINES, FLA. (WSVN) - A substitute teacher and junior varsity football coach at Somerset Academy Middle School stood before a judge on Wednesday, facing serious allegations involving a 13-year-old student.
Twenty-six-year-old Leverick Ladarius Johnson was arrested after, police said, he sent sexually explicit text messages to the teenage girl for over a month.
“There is cause for concern for the community,” said Broward Circuit Judge Jackie Powell.
Parents and students at Somerset Academy reacted to Johnson’s arrest, Wednesday afternoon.
“That’s disgusting,” said a man.
“It’s very concerning,” said a woman.
“It’s unbelievable,” said a man.
“I was shocked, because, you know, I’ve seen him around,” said student Leilani Young.
Officials said he first befriended the victim in September by asking for her social media information and phone number.
It was then that, investigators said, the explicit texts started.
“It’s kind of nasty. It’s disgusting,” said Young.
According to court documents, Johnson expressed the importance of keeping the relationship a secret.
In a text, Johnson asked the teen, “You like me? Find me attractive? Do you want me?”
When she raised concerns about their age difference, Johnson replied that as long as “you act mature and let me teach you things you’ll be just fine.”
Police said the messages didn’t end there. They said Johnson asked the student to perform a sexual act on him at a stairwell near his classroom. There were apparently no security cameras at the location specified.
“I wasn’t surprised, ’cause this isn’t the first time it happens. Well, not him, but to another coach,” said Young. “School is supposed to be a safe environment for you, and now it’s hard to feel comfortable.”
The student is believed to be referencing a soccer coach at the school who was arrested for similar allegations.
Somerset Academy School officials sent a message to parents stating in part, “Yesterday, our School Resource Officer learned of allegations of inappropriate communications from a substitute/assistant football coach to a student. The school took immediate action and gathered the necessary information to prevent student harm. The individual is in police custody and will not be returning to our school.”
Parents said they’re thankful school administrators were quick to act.
“It’s very scary, to be honest,” said a concerned parent. “I don’t know. We got to do something.”
Johnson is currently being held at the Broward County Jail on $80,000 bond. He has posted bail and is expected to be released sometime on Wednesday.
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