Lee County middle school teacher's aide accused of sex crime with student

LEE COUNTY, Fla. - A Lee County teacher's assistant was arrested for allegedly having sex with a 13-year-old student.

The incident was reported to the Lee County Sheriff's Office on Tuesday. The teacher assistant was arrested and booked into the Lee County Jail the following day. He appeared in court earlier this morning.

Jonathan Hernandez worked at Lemuel Teal Middle School in Lehigh Acres as instructional support, assisting teachers and staff. The School District of Lee County has suspended him while the investigation continues.

Hernandez faced the judge on Thursday, who ordered him not to contact any minors, including online, and to avoid any locations where children may be present. According to the arrest report, Hernandez allegedly "digitally penetrated" a 13-year-old student at the middle school. The judge also ordered him to stay away from the student, her family, and the school.

Cecilia Ponce, a parent of an eighth grader at the school, expressed her shock.

"Heartbreaking. Because I put myself in the place of the parents and of the child, and I have five girls in total, and I put myself in their shoes. And you know, it frightens me. It frightens me to know that my kids are exposed to that where they're supposed to be thinking they're safe," said Ponce.

Hernandez remains in custody, facing one charge of lewd lascivious battery to a minor. His bond was set at $20,000. He is expected to return to court on March 9.