Plantation, FL - A South Plantation High School music teacher was taken into custody Thursday following allegations of inappropriate conduct with a student, according to police and jail records.
Teacher Identified as Choir Director Christopher George Santanelli
Police said 42-year-old Christopher George Santanelli was arrested by Plantation officers on a charge of an authority figure engaging in a romantic relationship with a student. Broward jail records confirm the arrest.
Plantation Police reported that the department became aware of the alleged relationship on December 22. Investigators stated that the victim, who is an adult student, told officers that Santanelli hugged and kissed them, exchanged text messages, and gave them gifts.
School Responds After Arrest
Online employment records list Santanelli as a music teacher and choir director at South Plantation High School. A message from the school’s principal, sent to families Thursday morning, notified parents of the arrest before the start of the school day.
The principal’s message stated that the teacher had been “reassigned away from our school and students pending the outcome of the matter” and emphasized that maintaining a safe, secure learning environment remains the school’s top priority.
Legal Perspective on Teacher Misconduct Cases
When a teacher is accused of sexual misconduct, families often struggle to understand their legal rights and the steps needed to protect their loved ones. In this interview, Florida sexual abuse lawyer Michael Haggard speaks about how victims and their families can take legal action, hold schools accountable for negligence, and begin the process of healing through justice.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: When allegations like these arise involving a teacher and a student, what legal rights do victims have under Florida law?
Michael Haggard, Esq.: Victims can pursue both criminal and civil actions. Criminal proceedings involve the state prosecuting the offender, while civil cases allow victims to seek compensation for emotional harm and other damages. In cases tied to schools, we also evaluate whether the institution failed to properly supervise or respond to prior warnings.
Banville: Are schools typically held accountable when staff members are accused of misconduct?
Haggard: It depends on what they knew and when they knew it. If administrators ignored red flags or didn’t follow reporting policies, the school district could face liability. These cases are difficult, but they’re vital for creating safer environments for students moving forward.
Legal Help for Families Affected by Teacher Misconduct
If you or a family member has been impacted by inappropriate conduct involving a teacher, you don’t have to face it alone. Our legal team is here to review your case, explain your rights, and guide you through every step of the process. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss your options and find the path forward.
