A 26-year-old science teacher at a prestigious Florida private school faces serious felony charges following appalling allegations of a sexual relationship with an underage student, which reportedly began with secret online communication.
Secret Digital Grooming and Physical Escalation
Elias Gordon Farley, a teacher at Donna Klein Jewish Academy in Palm Beach County, was arrested after a student came forward with disturbing claims. According to an arrest affidavit obtained by the Daily Mail, the relationship allegedly evolved from a typical teacher-student dynamic into something far more sinister over the summer months.
The pair are said to have used a shared Google Document to exchange secret messages. Investigators later confirmed this document contained explicit details about their encounters and planned meetings, outlining a pattern of digital grooming.
The student stated the relationship turned physical in September, when Farley allegedly began touching her underneath her clothing in his office. She told detectives this contact occurred multiple times in the following weeks.
Sexual Acts on Campus and at Teacher's Apartment
By late September and into October, the situation reportedly escalated further. The teen told authorities they engaged in sexual acts, including oral sex and intercourse, inside a classroom at the Boca Raton school.
The affidavit states the student visited Farley's apartment on two occasions in November. During one encounter, she reported he bit her on the stomach and inner thigh, leaving visible bruises and marks. These injuries were later shown to an art teacher, which ultimately led to the exposure of the alleged abuse on November 14.
Police gathered substantial evidence supporting the student's account. This included school surveillance footage capturing Farley and the student entering his classroom and office together. Investigators also found corroborating evidence at his apartment, and his roommate confirmed he was not home during the alleged visits.
Arrest, Charges, and School Response
Elias Gordon Farley was arrested and booked into jail on December 4. He is being held on a $500,000 bond and faces two felony charges: unlawful sexual activity with a minor and misconduct against a student by a person in authority.
According to the affidavit, Farley refused to speak to detectives after being read his Miranda rights. The school acted swiftly, suspending him and reporting the incident to police the day after the allegations surfaced.
A spokesperson for Donna Klein Jewish Academy told Fox News Digital they are fully cooperating with the investigation. In a statement, they said, "This is a difficult time for all of us at Donna Klein. We are approaching this serious situation with the utmost care, keeping the well-being of our students, faculty and families at the forefront."
The statement emphasised their priority is maintaining a safe educational environment. Farley is no longer employed by the school. The investigation remains ongoing.
The case has provoked outrage among parents, with many taking to social media to describe the allegations as "disturbing" and "sick," while others offered prayers and support for the student involved.
