A former teacher from a private Florida academy stands accused of exploiting a shared online document to groom an underage student before engaging in a series of sexual encounters with her on school property and at his home.
Allegations of Systematic Grooming and Abuse
Elias Gordon Farley, aged 26, was taken into custody on December 4, following a report made by the victim on November 18. At the time of the alleged offences, Farley was employed as a science teacher at the Donna Klein Jewish Academy in Boca Raton, Palm Beach County.
According to investigative documents, the interactions began innocuously during the previous academic year but escalated over the summer. Authorities allege Farley created a shared Google Doc where he and the pupil exchanged explicit messages. This digital file reportedly contained graphic descriptions of sexual activity and was used to coordinate their private meetings.
Escalation to Physical Assaults on School Grounds
The affidavit states the relationship turned physical in mid-September inside Farley's office on campus. The victim reported that the teacher touched her beneath her clothing, with similar encounters occurring for several weeks afterwards in both his office and a classroom.
By late September and into October, the alleged abuse reportedly escalated to include oral sex. Detectives were told the pair had intercourse inside a classroom on the school campus at one point. In early November, the student allegedly visited Farley's apartment on two occasions, where further sexual encounters took place.
Evidence and School's Response
Police evidence appears to corroborate key parts of the victim's account. During a search of Farley's residence, officers found condom wrappers and furniture matching the student's description. His roommate confirmed Farley was absent on the dates the student claimed to have visited.
Furthermore, CCTV footage from the school reportedly shows Farley and the pupil entering his office together on November 7, before proceeding to a classroom for approximately an hour. The crimes came to light after the student confided in an art teacher on November 14, showing her bruises and bite marks she alleged were inflicted by Farley.
The school suspended Farley the following day and subsequently terminated his employment. In a statement, the academy 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."
Legal Consequences and Ongoing Investigation
Farley was booked into the Palm Beach County Main Detention Center and faces formal charges of engaging in sexual activity with an underage student. A judge set his bond at $500,000.
The police investigation remains active. Authorities have urged anyone with relevant information to contact the Palm Beach County Sheriff's Office. This case highlights critical concerns regarding safeguarding protocols and the potential misuse of commonplace digital tools like shared documents for predatory purposes.
