Documents detail previous allegations against Volusia County teacher before his arrest

VOLUSIA COUNTY, Fla. — Newly released documents show Volusia County Schools had investigated a teacher’s behavior before he was arrested last month.

The documents show the district investigated Arin Hankerd, 42, for allegations of inappropriate behavior with female students at least three times before he was arrested last month.

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A 2020 document shows that a Mainland High School student claimed Hankered behaved inappropriately and touched her shoulder and thigh. But after investigating the allegations, the district said there wasn’t enough evidence to support disciplinary action.

Witness statements from another document show in 2021 that an Atlantic High School student came forward about more alleged inappropriate conduct by Hankerd. The student asked the district to “please take action” saying, “something needs to happen before it gets worse.”

Read: Documents: Volusia County teacher accused of having relationship with student warned multiple times

But that investigation also concluded with a letter of caution.

One month later, a third investigation into his conduct lead to a letter of reprimand, but Hankerd remained employed until he resigned after he was arrested last month.

Read: Ex-Volusia County teacher accused of sexual relationship with student; 40 women contact police

No one from the school district wanted to answer Channel 9′s questions about how he remained employed after the original allegations.

The district said they were working to get us a statement in response to nearly a dozen questions we had for them, but we have yet to receive it.

Read: Former student starts Facebook support group after ex-Volusia County teacher arrested

VIDEO: Documents: Volusia County teacher accused of having relationship with student warned multiple times Documents: Volusia County teacher accused of having relationship with student warned multiple times

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