Sarasota Police officers have arrested Michele Little, 29, of Sarasota. She is facing a felony charge of Indecent, Lewd, or Lascivious Touching of Certain Minors after misconduct with a 17-year-old male student. Little is a teacher at Sarasota Military Academy High School campus.
Sarasota Police detectives began their investigation after representatives from the school contacted detectives regarding rumors involving the student and Little.
On April 25, 2023, Sarasota Police patrol officers were called to the school and spoke with Little. She was then placed on administrative leave by the school. On April 27, 2023, the student was interviewed at the Child Protection Center.
The student said Little made sexual comments to him several times for several weeks. On April 17, 2023, the student said he went to Little’s classroom during lunch. The student said Little put a sign stating testing/tutoring on the door when he entered so only he would be in there, and no one would enter. The student asked the teacher what she was doing after school that day. The teacher said she was cleaning her room up, and the student said, in a kidding fashion, he could help her if she needed help. The teacher told him yes, that she would like help.
The student returned to the classroom after school, and Little had the door propped open with a pencil so the door wouldn’t lock and he could enter. When the student entered the classroom, Little closed the blinds on the door and the student logged on to a computer in case someone walked in, he could pretend he was on a computer working. The student said he was on the computer, and he and Little “made out” for 10-15 minutes before the student left the classroom.
Sarasota Military Academy High School campus sent the following statement to faculty, parents, and students, “The High School administration was made aware of an alleged incident that happened between a staff member and student that is being investigated by the Sarasota Police Department. We have come to learn that an arrest was made by the Sarasota Police Department, and any updates regarding this case will be released by the SPD.”
Little was arrested today, Friday, April 28, 2023, by Sarasota Police detectives and transported to the Sarasota County Jail. She is scheduled to attend first appearance on Saturday, where her bond will be set.
The school is a tuition-free nonprofit military charter school.
Anyone with information on this case is asked to call Detective Megan Buck at 941-263-6067 or leave an anonymous tip with Crime Stoppers by calling 941-366-TIPS or online at www.sarasotacrimestoppers.com