The Polk County Sheriff’s Office arrested 32-year-old Emmanuel Sanchez of Lakeland on March 9, 2026, following reports of “inappropriate and disgusting behavior” involving students at two different middle schools.
Sanchez, who worked as a temporary substitute through Kelly Services and used the alias “Mr. Jeremiah” in the classroom, is currently facing a second-degree felony charge of Lewd and Lascivious Conduct on a Minor.
According to the investigation, the conduct spanned multiple dates and involved both male and female students:
- February 25 (Kathleen Middle School): A 13-year-old girl reported that Sanchez sat next to her, rubbed her thigh, and made inappropriate comments about her appearance. Seven other students in the room reportedly corroborated her account.
- March 3 (Lake Gibson Middle School): Detectives received two additional reports from 12-year-old boys regarding inappropriate touching and comments. Other students also reported observing Sanchez being “visibly erect” in the classroom.
- March 6: Detectives contacted Sanchez at his home. While he admitted to the interaction with the female student (denying the physical touch) and confirmed his use of the name “Jeremiah,” he denied the incidents involving the boys.
Authorities and school officials have expressed strong condemnation of the suspect’s actions:
- Sheriff Grady Judd: Described the behavior as “disgusting” and noted that Sanchez was “clearly using his position… to prey upon this student.”
- Polk County Public Schools: Superintendent Fred Heid confirmed that Sanchez has been barred from working in any capacity within the district. The district is cooperating fully with law enforcement to identify any other potential victims.
Note: The investigation is active. The Polk County Sheriff’s Office encourages any other students who may have been inappropriately approached or touched by this individual to come forward.