Former Miami-Dade Teacher Accused Of Sexually Battering Student

DUNEDIN, FL — A retired teacher from Miami-Dade Schools has been arrested by the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office after being accused of sexual battery on a student in 2016.

On Jan. 30, Pinellas Sheriff's detectives were contacted by Miami-Dade Schools Police regarding a report of a sexual battery on a child between the ages of 12 and 18 four years ago.

The man accused of the crime is 70-year-old Tom Miller Privett, a former high school teacher at the Terra Environmental Research Institute, who retired after 30 years of teaching and moved to Dunedin six months ago.

Miami-Dade Schools Police obtained an arrest warrant and requested the assistance of the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office to help with Privett's arrest. Privett was arrested at his home on Burlingame Circle Friday morning. Detectives attempted to interview him but Privett requested an attorney.

He will be transported to Miami-Dade County to face one count of felony sexual battery on a child 12 years of age or older but less than 18, punishable by life in prison.

Miami-Dade Schools Police believe there may be other victims.