The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office has arrested a teacher at Idea Hope Charter School for unlawful sexual activity with a minor.
On June 17, 2024, HCSO deputies responded to the Marathon Gas Station at 1302 North Parsons Avenue, Tampa, and learned that Vernon White Jr., who was 31 at the time, gave a ride to a 17-year-old, and they performed sexual acts with each other. DNA testing confirmed sexual activity did take place. On March 6, 2025, deputies arrested him without incident.
The victim was not a student at Idea Hope Charter School. White had no disciplinary history at the school, where he has been employed as a teacher since 2021.
“A teacher is supposed to be a trusted community member who looks out for the well-being of children. This crime is a reprehensible
betrayal of someone in a position of authority,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “Our detectives conducted a thorough investigation to bring this individual to justice.”
