A science teacher from Palm Beach County, Florida, is in custody after authorities discovered she had been communicating with students through a shared Google Doc, which led to sexual acts occurring in both her school and her home, as detailed in an arrest affidavit.
Twenty-six-year-old Elias Gordon Farley, previously employed at Donna Klein Jewish Academy in Boca Raton, was arrested on November 18 following a report from a student regarding suspected abuse.
The student described how their interactions had begun casually the previous school year but escalated over the summer when Farley initiated a Google Doc for messaging. Investigators noted that this document later included explicit discussions about sexual encounters and plans for private meetings.
The affidavit indicated that the student admitted to touching Farley inappropriately in her office mid-September, and the physical interactions reportedly continued for several weeks within both her office and the classroom.
During late September and into October, she claimed they engaged in various sexual activities in the classrooms. The student additionally mentioned visiting Farley’s apartment twice in early November, during which, according to her account, multiple sexual encounters took place.
Following a search warrant execution, detectives reportedly found bedding, condom wrappers, and other items that matched her descriptions at the apartment.
Farley’s roommate confirmed that she was not home on one of the days the student alleged he had visited.
Footage from school surveillance appeared to support the student’s claims, showing Farley and the student entering her office together on November 7 and then spending time in the classroom.
This incident came to light on November 14, when the student shared with an art teacher evidence of physical marks he claimed were inflicted by Farley. Administrators were notified the following day, promptly suspending Farley and informing child welfare authorities.
After being read his Miranda rights, Farley chose not to speak with detectives, per the affidavit. He was booked into the Palm Beach County Main Detention Center on December 4 and is currently held on a $500,000 bail.
Farley is facing charges including unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and crimes against students by individuals in positions of authority.
In a statement, Donna Klein Jewish Academy expressed its cooperation with the ongoing investigation, describing the situation as challenging for the community. They emphasized that student, faculty, and family wellbeing is their top concern.
The school has expressed a commitment to working closely with families and staff to provide necessary support, with maintaining a safe educational environment being a priority. Further specifics were withheld for the community’s privacy, but the school confirmed that Farley is no longer employed there.
The investigation remains active, and anyone with relevant information is encouraged to reach out to the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office at 561-688-3000.
