Cops: Polk high school teacher had sex activity with student

POLK COUNTY, Fla. – Polk County deputies have arrested a high school teacher who they say engaged in sexual activity with a 15-year-old female student.

Mulberry High School teacher Jason Argo, 34, has been charged with three counts of sexual battery by custodian on victim between 12 and 18 years old.

The illegal conduct occurred during the 2014-2015 school year, according to deputies.

Argo has been an employee of Polk County Public Schools since 2010, starting as an English teacher at Mulberry Middle before becoming an English teacher at Mulberry High in July 2014, deputies said.

"We are always disgusted and appalled when anyone in a position of authority over a child uses that authority to groom and sexually abuse a child," said Sheriff Grady Judd in a release. "Jason Argo also brags that he is a military veteran, which to me is even more reason to be disgusted and appalled by his behavior." 

Argo was booked into Polk County Jail on Friday on no bond.

The school board said Argo has been placed on administrative leave with pay and a recommendation is being made to terminate his employment, which will go before the board at its June 28 meeting.