Duval County Public Schools substitute teacher arrested, charged with child abuse

Jacksonville, FL. — A Duval County Public Schools substitute teacher has been arrested on a charge of child abuse to a student; the arrest was made just yesterday, March 31 at Landmark Middle School.

The suspect and substitute teacher is Justin Anthony Crisp, it stems from a verbal and physical fight that happened at the middle school.

Action News Jax has learned from DCPS that he is no longer allowed to teach at the school or any of the DCPS schools.

Action News Jax obtained a copy of the police report, that says Justin Crisp allegedly shoved a student. Shortly after, Crisp is accused of taking the victim to the ground, holding him down and putting his arms around the victims throat. The victim said it happened because Crisp was, “talking rude for no reason so I told him to shut up. Then he told me to get out of the class.”

The report says the victim was headed back towards the classroom after leaving, and they were cussing at one another. In the report, Crisp stated the victim was threatening him while getting closer.

Action News Jax drove to Crisp’s registered address for his side of the story. The person who answered the door said Crisp wasn’t home, but claims the charges were not true and that there’s more to the investigation that needs to be done.

We also spoke to his neighbor and told him about the allegations, he said it makes him a little uncomfortable.

“It’s embarrassing to our area and dangerous for our neighborhood,” the neighbor said.

Action News Jax has requested a statement from DCPS but haven’t heard back, but in a message provided to parents, the school’s principal says “While I remind you that one is innocent until proven guilty, I want to let you know that we have very high standards for our conduct as educators, and we will take appropriate action when necessary” and “This substitute will not be allowed to teach again in our school or any of our Duval County Public Schools.”

Action News Jax has also requested a mugshot of the suspect – but still waiting on it. After searching through the suspects criminal history, we found 12 files but the most serious charge was a DUI.

Cox Media Group