Ocoee High teachers had sexual relationship with student, police say

Chad Michael Coy, Ryan S. Kirkpatrick arrested on sex charges

OCOEE, Fla. – Two teachers accused of having sexual relationships with an Ocoee High School student have been arrested.

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Chad Michael Coy, 27, and Ryan Stewart Kirkpatrick, 22, were recently arrested after a months-long investigation.

Coy, whom the girl also described as her lacrosse coach, was arrested Wednesday night on charges of unlawful sexual activity with minors and sexual offenses against students by authority figures. Kirkpatrick was arrested Friday on similar charges.

The alleged incidents took place in September and October, according to documents.

News 6 spoke with the alleged 17-year-old victim's father in November when the teachers were placed on leave from the school.

The man said his daughter admitted to having a sexual relationship with two teachers at her school. He said the first incident took place during a drill when the school was on lockdown, when one of the teachers and the girl were alone.

The father said there were two other incidents after that, and they happened when the girl stayed after school in a teacher's classroom.

The father said the teen handed over her phone to police for review.

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A recorded phone message was sent to parents letting them know the employees were put on relief of duty.

"As always, Ocoee High School puts the safety of your children first," principal Laura Beusse said in the message. "Please know we are working with law enforcement to assist in any manner." 

Both men have not worked at the school since Nov. 1.

During Coy's first appearance he said he hired a private attorney and a judge ordered held without bond.

Kirkpatrick's bond was set at $50,000 for each felony charge.

News 6 spoke to parents and students Thursday who were surprised to learn of the arrests.

"It's just a shocker because you trust teachers with your kids," parent Torri Benyard said.

Student Connor Haugen said he didn't expect Kirkpatrick to be arrested.

"He was always a really nice teacher," Haugen said. "No one ever suspected him to do anything like that."


About the Author:

Daniel started with WKMG-TV in 2000 and became the digital content manager in 2009. When he's not working on ClickOrlando.com, Daniel likes to head to the beach or find a sporting event nearby.