PINELLAS PARK, Fla. — Lee Hughes, a 45-year-old third-grade teacher at Pinellas Preparatory Academy (PPA), was arrested on Thursday, May 1, 2025, under a federal warrant issued by the United States District Court Middle District of Florida, Tampa Division. The arrest took place in a shopping plaza at the northwest corner of Park Boulevard and Belcher Road in Pinellas Park, following an investigation into disturbing allegations of child exploitation.
According to a Federal Grand Jury Indictment, Hughes was charged with one count of attempted transmission of harmful material to a minor. The charges stem from communications beginning around June 2024, when Hughes engaged with an undercover FBI account posing as an adult with a nine-year-old daughter. In these exchanges, Hughes expressed interest in a “sexually open household,” describing it as his “dream life” and offering to babysit the purported child. On June 25, 2024, after receiving a fully clothed photo of the undercover’s supposed daughter, Hughes sent an image of a male sexual organ, repeating the action nearly ten times while requesting the images be shown to the child.
Over the next ten months, Hughes continued explicit conversations with the undercover agent, detailing his intent to abuse the minor sexually. He arranged to meet at the rear of the Lowe’s Home Improvement store at 7301 Park Boulevard on May 1, 2025, allegedly to engage in sexual activity with the nine-year-old. Dashcam footage captured Hughes arriving at approximately 5:45 p.m., carrying a teddy bear and approaching a Mini RV. Law enforcement officers from the US Marshals Service detained him at gunpoint, ordering him to drop the teddy bear. Hughes was arrested and transported to Pinellas County Jail, where he admitted to his conduct in a post-Miranda interview.
PPA officials confirmed Hughes’ immediate termination following his arrest. In a public statement, the school emphasized, “The safety of our children is our top priority, and we are committed to supporting our children and families. Both the school and law enforcement have resources available for children and parents.” The incidents are reported to have occurred outside the PPA community, and Hughes taught children in the same 8- to 9-year-old age range as the targeted minor. Additionally, Hughes has access to two children of similar age through familial relationships, raising further concerns.
On Tuesday, May 6, 2025, PPA forwarded the following communication to IONTB
We’re sending you this communication to address any ambiguity from a recent news article. PPA was not aware of any investigation into Mr. Hughes until he had already been taken into custody. As soon as we were told he was taken into custody he was immediately terminated. We were told initially and have been reassured that at this time there are no suspected improper activities or interactions between Mr. Hughes and any student at PPA.
Additionally, every person who works at PPA must pass a Level II background check. This process includes employees being fingerprinted, their background check being run by law enforcement, and review by the School District for clearance to hire. Mr. Hughes had successfully passed the required background check. In short, PPA had no indication that there was anything in Mr. Hughes’ background or an investigation into any current activity by Mr. Hughes that endangered the safety of students at PPA.
The health, safety, and welfare of our students and employees is of most importance at PPA. The administration is following up with law enforcement to understand why the investigation into Mr. Hughes was not brought to the school’s attention any earlier than after his arrest.
We will continue to offer services to students and stakeholders in the PPA community. Please reach out to us if you have any concerns. PPA remains and will continue to be an amazing educational option for its current students and students in the future.
Julie Meyers
Chairman, PPA Board of Directors
Due to the severity of the allegations and Hughes’s access to young children, the United States Attorney granted the government’s motion for pretrial detention, citing significant safety risks. Hughes was booked into the Pinellas County Jail and is now being held in the Hernando County Jail.
PPA, located at 2300 S Belcher Road in Largo, is cooperating with authorities. The investigation is ongoing, and officials encourage anyone with information to contact law enforcement.
Additional charges are possible. Hughes resides in the 6700 block of 79th Avenue N in Pinellas Park.
If convicted, Hughes faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in federal prison.