Ocala, Florida, Christian academy teacher charged with digital voyeurism, police say

Ocala police arrested Joel Gould, a 34-year-old fifth-grade teacher at Ocala Christian Academy in Ocala, Florida, on Tuesday, October 27. He was charged with digital voyeurism. Reports differ on the details of the charge. WESH reported that the charge was upgraded from a second-degree felony to a third-degree felony because of Gould’s position of authority over the alleged victim. Globe Magazine reported that he was charged with digital voyeurism by a family member, person of trust or authority.

According to the accounts, the matter began on Friday, October 23, during recess. A student told a parent that they had seen Gould call a student to a picnic table and have her stand on the seat. Globe Magazine, citing an affidavit, reported that Gould allegedly placed his phone under the girl’s uniform skirt and appeared to take photos, and that she said she felt his phone touching her leg several times. WESH reported that a witness allegedly saw Gould holding his phone under a student’s skirt and that the student felt something touch her leg before realizing the camera was pointed upward. A student raising concern with a parent is the point at which the matter reached adults who could act, a reminder of protecting the vulnerable (Proverbs 31:8-9).

The reports also differ on when the investigation started. Globe Magazine said police were first made aware of the incident on October 23. WFTV reported that the Ocala Police Department began its investigation on October 27, after receiving a report from concerned parents about an incident during recess the previous Friday. Globe Magazine reported that Principal Sharon Loyd questioned Gould and that his phone was searched, but the administrator found nothing of note in his camera roll.

WESH reported that officers interviewed Gould, who admitted to taking photographs underneath the child’s skirt, according to police. Globe Magazine’s headline also described him as admitting to the conduct. These statements come from police and news reports, and the charge remains a matter for the legal process.

Fox 35 Orlando reported that Gould was arrested on Tuesday according to the Ocala Police Department and that police were concerned there could be more victims.