Hillsborough Teacher Charged With Sexual Battery: Sheriff

PLANT CITY, FL — A teacher at Durant High School in Plant City has been arrested after being accused of having an inappropriate sexual relationship with a student, the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said.

Jaime Hernandez Cabrera, 25, is charged with four counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor and four counts of sexual battery (familial or custodial authority) (authority figure over student), the sheriff said in a news release.

In October 2022, Hernandez Cabrer connected with a 16-year-old girl on social media when he was 24. They began a consensual sexual relationship in November of 2022 that continued until June 2023.

Authorities said in August 2023, Hernandez Cabrera began working as a teacher at Durant High School, where the girl was a student. In September 2023, Hernandez Cabrera and the victim resumed their sexual relationship, which ended in March 2024 after an encounter on school property during school hours.

On April 11, 2024, deputies responded to the school for an unrelated call, and investigators learned of the inappropriate relationship between Hernandez Cabrera and the student. He turned himself into Orient Road Jail on April 18 after an arrest warrant was issued.

"This man was entrusted with the responsibility to make a positive impact. Yet, he disregarded that duty, betraying not just those who trusted him but our entire community," said Sheriff Chad Chronister in a statement. "As a father, I understand the concerns of parents who are hearing about this situation. I want to reassure you that our detectives, along with the school's administration, are taking every possible step to ensure the safety and well-being of every student."

Anyone with information about the case is asked to contact the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at (813) 247-8200.