A Central Florida teacher was arrested, soliciting material from a former student, according to local law enforcement.
Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office detectives launched a criminal investigation into 31-year-old Christian Schneider, who was a teacher at Memorial Middle School in Tampa. The Hillsborough County teacher was arrested for inappropriate communication with his former student.
Through the investigation, detectives learned that Schneider had been sending inappropriate messages to his former teenage student at Franklin Middle School in Tampa.
Schneider told deputies he had engaged in inappropriate communication with the victim since 2023. Last month, Schneider was arrested.
“Teachers hold a position of trust that comes with enormous responsibility,” said Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister. “When that trust is exploited, it’s not just a crime, it’s a violation of everything our schools are supposed to stand for. Detectives will continue investigating these cases aggressively, and anyone who abuses their position with a child will be held accountable.”
Schneider was arrested on charges of Solicitation or Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material (x2) and Unlawful Use of Two-Way Communication Device.
