A Manatee County Schools employee made his first appearance in court on Friday on charges he impregnated a 14-year-old student.

  • Lamont Houston employed at Lincoln Middle since 2014
  • Houston coached JV basketball at Palmetto High
  • Faced judge for 1st time Friday; bond set at $55,000

Lamont Houston, 31, had been working at Lincoln Middle as a graduation enhancement technician since 2014. He also coaches the junior varsity basketball team at Palmetto High.

"He was a good guy and everything," Palmetto High student A.J. Brooks said. "He wasn't disrespectful to us or nothing. He was respectful and all that."

A.J. was one of the many students Houston coached — and one of many who were shocked to hear about the charges against him.

"I never think he would do nothing like that, I was like, 'That's crazy,'" Brooks said.

According to Houston's attorney, Houston attended Southeast High in Manatee County. After attending college, he returned home to teach and coach.

The school district said Houston has resigned from his position and has agreed not to look for any other jobs in the district.

Bond for Houston was set at $55,000.