A 22-year-old physical education teacher in Florida has been arrested for allegedly sending sexually inappropriate text messages and images to a 13-year-old middle school student, sparking widespread outrage and renewed debate over child safety in schools.
Yezmar Angeanis Ramos-Figueroa, a gym teacher at Central Pointe Christian Academy in Kissimmee, was taken into custody on Wednesday by detectives from the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office. According to law enforcement officials, the arrest followed weeks of investigation after the student’s mother first reported the alleged misconduct in mid-October.
Ramos-Figueroa now faces two felony charges: distributing obscene material to a minor and transmitting harmful material to a minor, according to booking records from the Osceola County Jail. Both charges are third-degree felonies under Florida law, each carrying a potential maximum penalty of five years in prison.
Mother’s Complaint Triggered Investigation
Authorities said the investigation began when the boy’s mother discovered disturbing content on her child’s phone and immediately alerted law enforcement. The family has not been identified in order to protect the minor’s privacy.
Detectives from the Sheriff’s Office subsequently seized the teenager’s phone and retrieved a series of messages and photographs reportedly sent by Ramos-Figueroa. The content was described by officials as “inappropriate and harmful to a minor.”
According to investigators, Ramos-Figueroa admitted during questioning that she had exchanged messages with the student and had sent at least one photo. Law enforcement did not release the specific content due to the ongoing nature of the case and the age of the victim.
Teacher Worked at Private Christian School
Ramos-Figueroa was employed as a physical education instructor at Central Pointe Christian Academy, a private K–12 school with separate campuses for its middle and high school divisions. The alleged misconduct occurred at the middle school campus, located in Kissimmee, approximately 20 miles south of Orlando.
The school has not yet released an official public statement, but sources indicate that Ramos-Figueroa is no longer employed at the academy. Parents at the school have demanded assurances about the vetting and monitoring of staff members who supervise children daily.
Detectives Confirm Digital Evidence
The Osceola County Sheriff’s Office said that the evidence against Ramos-Figueroa includes text messages and photographs she purportedly sent to the 13-year-old victim.
“Detectives obtained the messages directly from the student’s phone after conducting interviews,” the Sheriff’s Office said in a written statement. “The suspect admitted to texting and sending a picture to the victim.”
Investigators have not disclosed whether there were additional victims or whether they are pursuing further charges. However, they encourage parents who suspect any inappropriate behavior involving school staff to come forward.
Bond Set at $10,000
Following her arrest, Ramos-Figueroa was booked at the Osceola County Jail, where she is being held on a total bond of $10,000—$5,000 for each of the two charges. It is not yet clear whether she has retained legal representation.
Under Florida law, distributing harmful or obscene material to a minor is a serious offense that typically involves explicit content intended to corrupt or exploit a child. Convictions often lead not only to prison time but also mandatory registration as a sex offender.
Community Shock and Concern Over Child Safety
The case has triggered concern among parents, educators, and local officials, especially given the increasing number of incidents across the United States involving inappropriate contact between teachers and students.
Several parents speaking to local media expressed shock that such allegations involved a young teacher at a Christian academy, where parents say they expect a higher moral and disciplinary standard.
“It’s terrifying,” said one mother who asked not to be identified. “We send our children to school to be safe, not to be preyed upon by the people we’re supposed to trust.”
Others called for stricter background checks, more monitoring of teacher-student interactions, and more robust digital safety education for children.
Child advocacy organizations emphasize that children often do not immediately tell parents about inappropriate interactions, urging families to maintain open communication and monitor digital activity.
School Safety Under Scrutiny
This case comes amid ongoing national conversations about proper teacher training, oversight, and the prevention of grooming behaviors by adults in positions of authority. Experts say that inappropriate digital communication—especially via text and social media—has become a major avenue for abusive conduct.
“Technology has made it easier for predators to reach children privately, even within structured environments like schools,” said a Florida-based child protection specialist. “We need stronger school policies that strictly prohibit one-on-one messaging between staff and students.”
While Central Pointe Christian Academy has not issued a formal statement, it is expected that internal investigations and new protective measures will follow.
Legal Proceedings Ahead
Ramos-Figueroa’s case is expected to proceed to arraignment in the coming weeks. Prosecutors will determine whether additional charges are warranted based on digital forensics and witness testimonies.
Authorities encourage anyone with additional information to contact the Osceola County Sheriff’s Office.
As the investigation continues, the incident serves as yet another alarming reminder of the need for vigilance, transparency, and safeguards in environments where minors are entrusted to adults.
For now, the community—and especially parents of Central Pointe Christian Academy—awaits further developments as they grapple with the troubling breach of trust at a place meant to nurture and protect children.
