Former Grace Christian School Music Teacher Arrested on Sexual Battery Charge Involving 16-Year-Old Student

The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) in Tampa, Florida, has arrested Denzel Proctor, 26, a former music teacher at Grace Christian School, for having an inappropriate relationship with a student.

On July 3, 2024, detectives were notified of a sexual battery by an authority figure involving a victim who was 18 years old and pregnant at the time of the report. The HCSO has not publicly identified the victim. According to the release, Proctor began the relationship in 2022, when the victim was 16.

During an interview with detectives, the victim disclosed that she had engaged in a sexual relationship with Proctor on and off campus between 2022 and 2024, which resulted in her becoming pregnant. These statements are part of the investigation, and the release does not describe any court findings on them.

Proctor resigned from Grace Christian School in December 2023. Following his departure, the school reported rumors of the allegations to the Florida Department of Children and Families.

On July 10, 2024, an arrest warrant was issued for Proctor, and he was arrested without incident. Sheriff Chad Chronister said, “This man preyed upon a vulnerable teenager, violating the trust of our community. Such betrayal is especially devastating when it comes from someone expected to serve as a mentor.” He added that he hoped the victim could heal from the trauma and make use of the resources available to her. The protection of a young person placed under a trusted adult’s authority is a matter of justice for those who cannot defend themselves (Proverbs 31:8-9).

Anyone with information about the case, or anyone who believes they may have been a victim of Proctor, is asked to call HCSO at 813-247-8200.

The case remains an active investigation. The HCSO Public Affairs Office will release any updates.

Source: Read the original report