JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — Police this week charged a First Coast High School substitute teacher with engaging in sexual activity with a minor student.
Cameron Arnez Coverson, 27, is charged with two counts of sexual activity with a minor after a student reported what she heard to the school principal who called police to investigate.
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Coverson, who was also charged with traveling to meet a minor, was booked into Duval County Jail. He has pleaded not guilty and remained in jail Thursday, pending $650,000 in bail, according to the jail website.
According to a police booking report, Coverson courted a student over text messages after getting the female student’s number from another student at school in May.
The document said that in August the two engaged in “student-teacher role play” over text, using explicit language. The pair decided to meet in a parking lot near Crossroads Church on Duval Street, where they engaged in oral sex, the report said.
After the school’s 2026-27 academic year started, Coverson was substitute teaching at First Coast High and texted the female student to meet him after 6th period.
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Cameras recorded part of the meeting, in which the two entered a room. Coverson hugged the student, rubbed her buttocks and tried to move her into a closet - before the student broke away, she told a witness.
Police developed evidence and arrested Coverson during a traffic stop after watching him leave his home near Duval Road and Mission Creek Drive on Monday.
Action News Jax is reaching out to ESS, which employs substitute teachers for Duval County Public Schools. We are waiting to hear back.
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The following is the message that was shared with First Coast High families from Principal Ronnie Williams:
“Hello First Coast High School families, this is Principal Williams.
“We have been notified that a substitute teacher who worked at our school, Camerson Arnez Coverson, was arrested by Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office on multiple charges including Offenses Against Students by Authority Figures and Unlawful Sexual Activity with Certain Minors.
“Mr. Coverson is directly employed by ESS, the school district’s substitute staffing provider. While he is not an employee of Duval County Public Schools, I understand how concerning it is to receive news like this, and I want you to know that I share your concern. Providing a safe learning environment for our students is among our highest priorities at all times.
“Duval County Public Schools expects everyone who works in our schools, including substitute teachers, to adhere to the same high standards we hold for our employees. The District will continue to cooperate with law enforcement and follow all applicable district policies and procedures.
“As always, thank you for your continued support of First Coast High School. If you have any questions or information related to the investigation, please contact JSO on their non-emergency line at 904-630-0500.”
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