Former QI Roberts Junior-Senior High School teacher Robert Grady Bush Jr. is accused of soliciting or engaging in lewd conduct with a student.
Published on November 20, 2024 at 2:14 pm
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A former teacher at QI Roberts Junior-Senior High School is accused of soliciting or engaging in lewd conduct with a student.
A FortifyFL tip on Oct. 14 alleged inappropriate texts between teacher Robert Grady Bush Jr., 54, of Palatka and a student, according to the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office. Some of the texts were sexual in nature.
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Detectives said Bush came into the Sheriff’s Office on Oct. 29 and detectives seized his phone. At that time Bush was aware of the criminal investigation but left for North Carolina, the Sheriff’s Office said. He returned Nov. 3 but then left again Nov. 15.
On Nov. 19, detectives got an arrest warrant.
While talking to Bush on the phone, the Sheriff’s Office said, he told detectives he was “out of town,” and did not provide a date to return or complete an interview. Detectives then contacted detectives in Transylvania County, North Carolina, who were able to find Bush and arrest him. He is being held in North Carolina on a $150,000 bond. He is charged with authority figure soliciting or engaging in lewd conduct with a student, a second-degree felony.
According to the school district, Bush taught at the district 15 years and started at QI Roberts in 2016. He has primarily taught in the high school portion of the school in several fields.
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When the investigation began, the school district placed Bush on administrative leave. He resigned before the investigation was completed.
“It is reprehensible that a person in an authority position who interacts on a daily basis with teens and builds trust could abuse that power to groom a vulnerable youth,” Sheriff H.D. “Gator” DeLoach said. “At this time of their life, teenagers are in an awkward position where they are at odds with their parents and are looking for guidance from those they perceive to trust. He has abused that trust for not only himself but also for those who selflessly dedicated their time to educating our students.”
Due to the nature of the crime and to protect the victim’s identity, the Sheriff’s Office said no further specifics would be provided in this case.
Detectives believe there may be other victims.
“We strongly encourage parents whose children have had interaction with Bush to talk to their students about any possible inappropriate actions or texts,” the Sheriff’s Office said. Anyone with information is asked to contact the Sheriff’s Office at 386-329-0800 and ask for Detective Gogan.
This story was produced by News4Jax, a Jacksonville Today news partner.
