A middle school teacher in Palm Beach County was arrested Monday on charges of lewd and lascivious behavior involving a minor, authorities said.
Christopher Trey Withers, 32, a former seventh-grade math teacher at Watson B. Duncan Middle School, was booked into the Palm Beach County Jail following an investigation by the Palm Beach Gardens Police Department and the Palm Beach County School District Police Department. The probe began on March 25 after a complaint was filed against Withers.
According to a probable cause affidavit, Withers initially took on a mentor role for the victim after her father’s death. Their relationship soon turned sexual, with interactions escalating when the victim entered high school. The victim, now 17, reported that Withers communicated with her via Snapchat, discussing the sexual nature of their relationship.
The arrest report detailed multiple instances of sexual encounters between Withers and the victim, including in his classroom and at various locations outside school. He reportedly recorded one encounter on his phone. Withers initially denied some charges but later confessed to having sex with the victim about 10 to 15 times.
Watson B. Duncan Middle School Principal Phillip D’Amico stated that the school district takes the matter seriously and Withers will not return to campus. The incident is believed to be isolated, and the school emphasized its commitment to student safety.
Withers faces multiple charges, including lewd and lascivious battery and use of a child in a sexual performance. He is being held on $260,000 bond and has been ordered to have no contact with the victim or school property.
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