TAMPA (WFLA) – A member of the U.S. Coast Guard was arrested Monday for trespassing on school grounds and assaulting a school resource officer, among other charges.
The Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said a school resource officer responded to a call for assistance at Spoto High School around 12:45 p.m. on Monday. The call regarded “agitated parents” in the administrative office who were there after their daughter was involved in an altercation that day.
While responding, the school resource officer arrested 41-year-old Jeremy Bailey after he was verbally hostile throughout the interaction.
Bailey, an active duty Petty Officer First Class officer, reportedly became increasingly upset and at one point kicked the school resource office, as well as used profane and derogatory language.
“Parents are supposed to model behavior and be an example for children, and Bailey was a perfect example of what not to do. Schools are meant to be a safe space for both students and administrators, and it is disheartening to know a parent disrupted the educational process today by his shameful outburst,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “I have to take a moment to thank school administrators and the school resource deputy for their patience and professionalism when faced with violence and hostility.”
Bailey is facing charges of battery on a law enforcement officer, trespassing upon school grounds, disrupting a school campus or function, and resisting an officer without violence.
In a statement to 8 On Your Side, Bailey’s attorney, Christopher J. Castillo wrote,
“On the date in question Mr. Bailey’s daughter had been involved in a physical altercation at Spoto High School after having been the subject of online bullying and threats by other students. Mr. Bailey was present with his wife to take his daughter to receive medical attention after the altercation and to express their concerns to school officials. Mr. Bailey was confronted by school administrators when attempting to leave, which created the conflict. We intend on fully investigating what occurred that day and remind everyone that Mr. Bailey is innocent until proven otherwise.”