PINELLAS PARK — Lee Hughes, 45, of Pinellas Park, was arrested on Thursday, May 1, 2025, under a federal warrant issued by the FBI.
According to Pinellas Preparatory Academy (PPA), Hughes was employed as a third-grade teacher at the school. Officials confirmed that the arrest was related to incidents involving a child or children outside of the PPA community.
The arrest occurred in the shopping plaza on the northwest corner of Park Blvd and Belcher Roads.
Following the arrest, Hughes was immediately terminated from his position at the school.
In a public statement, PPA said, “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.”
Hughes was booked into the Pinellas County Jail. Details regarding the charges were not immediately available.
PPA is located at 2300 S Belcher Road in Largo.