Florida Teacher Arrested for Alleged Sexual Relationship with Student
A science teacher in Palm Beach County, Florida, has been arrested following allegations that she engaged in sexual acts with a student, using a shared Google Document for communication. According to an arrest affidavit, Elias Gordon Farley, 26, a former teacher at Donna Klein Jewish Academy in Boca Raton, was taken into custody on November 18 after a student reported the suspicious behavior.
The investigation began when the student stated that their interactions started as simple conversations during the previous school year. Over the summer, Farley set up a shared Google Doc for exchanging messages. Eventually, these messages became explicit, detailing sexual acts and plans for private meetings.
As outlined in the affidavit, the student claimed that in mid-September, they touched Farley inappropriately in her office, and the physical encounters continued for several weeks. The student reported that sexual acts—including oral sex and intercourse—took place inside classrooms during late September and October.
In early November, the student visited Farley’s apartment twice, prompted by specific details she had shared about her living situation. During these visits, multiple sexual encounters were said to have occurred.
After a search warrant was executed, detectives discovered bedding, condom wrappers, and furniture that matched descriptions given by the student. A roommate of Farley indicated he was not home on the day the visits occurred. School surveillance footage reportedly showed Farley and the student entering both her office and classroom at suspicious times.
The situation became public on November 14 when the student told an art teacher about the encounters, showing signs of physical abuse, such as bruises and bite marks. This led the school administration to suspend Farley the following day and notify child welfare authorities.
After being informed of her rights, Farley chose not to speak with detectives. She was booked into the Palm Beach County Main Detention Center, where she is held on a bail of $500,000. Farley faces charges related to unlawful sexual conduct with a minor and misconduct involving students by someone in a position of authority.
In a statement, Donna Klein Jewish Academy expressed its cooperation with the ongoing investigation, highlighting the challenging situation for the community. The school emphasized its commitment to the health and safety of students, faculty, and staff, stating that establishing a safe learning environment remains a priority.
While further specifics weren’t disclosed to respect community privacy, reports indicate that Farley is no longer employed by the school. The investigation is still underway, and anyone with relevant information is urged to contact the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office.
