Teacher Sent Sexually Explicit Video To 15-Year-Old: Police

TARPON SPRING, FL — A teacher at Tarpon Springs Middle School has been arrested after being accused of sending a sexually explicit video of himself to a former student, who is 15 years old.

According to Tarpon Springs police, Stephan Badertscher, 31, of St. Petersburg was arrested after turning himself into authorities at the Pinellas County Jail Friday.

Police said Badertscher was working as a teacher at Tarpon Springs Middle School, 501 N. Florida Ave., on May 5 when he communicated with a former student through social media and sent him a video of himself engaged in a sexual act. The 15-year-old notified police who began an investigation.

After learning about the investigation, Badertscher resigned from his teaching position and turned himself in. He was charged with transmission of harmful material to a minor. He was released from jail the same day on $5,000 bail.

Tarpon Springs police are asking anyone with information about this case or who knows of other incidents involving Badertscher to contact Detective Lara Scarpati at 727-938-2849.