A 58-year-old substitute teacher at Lake Weir High School has been arrested after alleged inappropriate touching of students.
Timothy Cooke was arrested Tuesday by Marion County sheriff’s deputies on one count of simple battery and one count of simple battery on a juvenile.
On January 19, a female student in Cooke’s class said she was grading papers when Cooke came from behind her and grabbed her buttocks. She said she tried to move away from Cooke, but Cooke grabbed her and pulled her back. During a follow-up investigation, another victim came forward and said while she was in class with Cooke, Cooke wrapped his arms around her and put his hand on her breast. When the student tried to get away from Cooke, he squeezed her tightly before she was able to pry herself from his grasp. After this incident, the student transferred to another school to avoid having contact with Cooke.
Since 2009, the MCSO has investigated five cases of simple battery on LWHS students by Cooke, with the two most recent cases culminating in his arrest on Wednesday. One case remains open and under an active investigation, and the two other prior cases were closed due to lack of prosecution.
Marion County Public Schools fired Cooke on Wednesday. Cooke posted bond and was released from the Marion County Jail early Thursday morning. MCSO is working in conjunction with the school district during this on-going investigation. Deputies believe that Cooke may have more victims who have not yet come forward. If you are a victim or know someone who is a victim of Cooke, call the Marion County Sheriff’s Office at (352) 732-9111 or to remain anonymous, call Crime Stoppers of Marion County at (352) 368-STOP.
