Coach Accused Of Having Sex With Student

ZEPHYRHILLS, FL — Pasco County Sheriff’s deputies announced the arrest of a Zephyrhills High School basketball coach early Saturday morning. Samuel Walker, 39, is accused of engaging in unlawful sexual activity with a 17-year-old student.

According to an arrest report, the alleged activity between Walker and the student took place between Feb. 1 and April 17 of this year at various locations in Pasco and Hillsborough counties. Walker is the head coach for Zephyrhills High School’s girls junior varsity basketball team. He also serves as an instructional assistant at the school.

Walker also had six warrants for his arrest out of Hillsborough County, Pasco deputies said. The charges from Hillsborough County also relate to unlawful sexual activities with a minor, the agency noted.

“It is heartbreaking to see one of our employees arrested for a sexual crime involving one of our students,” said Superintendent Kurt Browning in a statement released Saturday. “Student safety is the district’s top priority. The alleged behavior does not reflect the qualities instilled in our employees and it will not be tolerated."

Walker was hired by the Pasco County School district in 2016. He is currently on administrative leave, according to the district. The school board is expected to address his employment status pending the conclusion of the investigation.

"I applaud Hillsborough Sheriff David Gee, Pasco Sheriff Chris Nocco, and their deputies’ swift ability to hold criminals accountable," Browning said. "Our community can rest assured that our district will handle this situation appropriately at the proper time, in accordance with state law and school board policy.”

Further information is not available at this time.

Booking photo courtesy of the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office