A science teacher and soccer coach with the Oneonta School system is charged with soliciting a sex act with a student.
Luis E. Vazquez, 29, posted a $6,000 bond and was released from the Blount County Jail Wednesday.
Blount County Sheriff Mark Moon said Oneonta City Schools superintendent Craig Sosebee contacted the sheriff’s office as soon as he heard allegations of an improper relationship. Investigators obtained search warrants for the suspect’s phone and collected evidence. Upon his arrest, Moon said Vazquez admitted to the inappropriate relationship with the student.
Moon said he hopes lawmakers make changes to sex crimes against children.
“There will have to be a bill that is drawn up by a state legislator, state lawmaker, that will push to make this higher than a class A misdemeanor,” Moon stated.
Moon said by law, the bond for Vazquez could not be set any higher.
“So, if we can get our legislators to go back and really look at our sex crimes, as a father myself … father of four students, I would love to see our state lawmakers push for a bill to make these types of crimes a felony with a much harsher punishment,” he said.
Sosebee thanked the sheriff’s office for its work investigating the case before the start of the new school year Thursday.
“The employee in question has been placed on administrative leave and is not to be on Oneonta City Schools property or on campuses associated with Oneonta City School,” Sosebee said. “Additionally, the employee has been instructed to cease all communications with all students.”
The superintendent said it was frustrating to deal with criminal activity when teachers, staff and students should be excited about a new school year. However, he said it was a reminder for everyone to say something if they see something suspicious.
Mental health support will be made available to anyone who needs it.
Vazquez will remain on administrative leave until the investigation is complete.
Moon said the Oneonta community, a typically quiet place, is not immune to sex crimes against children. He said the incident has been heartbreaking, and he has a message for anyone who thinks about hurting children in Blount County.
“It's important for me as a sheriff and for us here at this department that anybody out there who thinks that they might can get away with this kind of thing, who thinks that they might can do this thing, slide under the radar, you need to know that we're coming after you with everything we have,” he added.
To connect with the author of this story or to comment, email erica.thomas@1819news.com.
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