TAMPA, Fla. — A maintenance worker at Tampa Catholic High School has been charged with sexual battery involving a teenager.
- Herbert Jones, 31, charged with 3 counts of sexual battery
- Investigators said Jones admitted to the crime
- Anyone with more information asked to call Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office
The Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office said Herbert Jones, 31, has been charged with three counts of sexual battery. They are not releasing the name of the victim or giving any details about how they knew each other.
Authorities said the incident happened at a private residence.
They said it did not happen at the high school or involve any students there.
Investigators said Jones admitted to the crime.
"He even admitted to our detectives that the victim tried to stop his advances but he just continued on, forcing himself on this teenager," said Amanda Granit, spokeswoman with the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.
Since Jones is an employee of Tampa Catholic High School, The Diocese of St. Petersburg was notified about his arrest as a safety precaution.
Spokeswoman Teresa Peterson said he has been working at the school since October 2018 and that he did pass a background check.
She said parents are being alerted about his arrest.
The Sheriff's Office is asking parents or guardians whose children may have come in contact with Jones to be aware.
"We just want people to be aware if you know this man, if he was interacting with your children, to have a conversation with them about appropriate touching, appropriate relationships with adults to make sure there are no additional victims," said Granit.
Peterson added that "We pray for all victims of abuse and violence."
She said Jones has been placed on administrative leave pending further investigation.
Jones is being held on a $75,000 bond.
Anyone with information on this investigation is being asked to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office at 813-247-8200.