WEST PALM BEACH, FL — A 42-year-old job coach from Port St. Lucie has been arrested after investigators say he asked a teenage student to delete messages to keep their relationship a secret, according to the West Palm Beach Police Department.
Arrest and Charge
Police arrested Jeffrey Fleuridor on one count of Offenses Against Students by Authority Figures, a second-degree felony under Florida law. The charge accuses him of engaging in romantic conduct with a student while serving in a position of authority.
Investigators say Fleuridor worked as a job coach, helping high school students document work hours and prepare for employment. The alleged conduct occurred during the 2024–2025 school year involving a 17-year-old senior he supervised.
Allegations in the Affidavit
According to the arrest affidavit, the student told detectives she met Fleuridor through the job-coaching program. In a sworn statement, she said the relationship became romantic and that Fleuridor requested she delete their messages to conceal it from others.
Police reviewed her phone and recovered several messages that had not been erased. In one, Fleuridor allegedly wrote, “I doubt anything wouldn’t look good on you,” while another questioned whether anyone checked her phone.
A forensic review of Fleuridor’s cellphone showed most of their messages had been deleted, with only two partial texts recovered. Detectives concluded there was probable cause based on the student’s statement, the deleted communication, and what they described as “suggestive language” in the remaining texts. A judge signed the arrest warrant on January 27, and Fleuridor was booked and later released on $20,000 bond on February 7.
Expert Reaction
Forensic psychologist Dr. Michael Brannon, who has extensive experience evaluating sex offenders and victims of abuse, said offenders in positions of trust often use their roles to gain access to minors.
“People who are interested in sexually offending against juveniles… often choose professions where they can easily interact with children,” Brannon said.
He added that victims may comply with secrecy or delay reporting out of embarrassment or fear of retaliation. “They may be directly told by the offender to stay silent,” Brannon explained.
School and District Responses
The name of the student’s school was redacted from court documents under Marsy’s Law, which protects the identities of crime victims. However, an online search listed Fleuridor as a Vocational Instructor at Believers Academy in West Palm Beach, a charter school serving students with disabilities.
CBS12 News has contacted the school to verify whether Fleuridor worked there during the period in question. Public records indicate Fleuridor also worked for Palm Beach County Schools in 2018, several years before the alleged incidents.
Dr. Brannon noted that students with disabilities can face elevated risks in these situations, emphasizing that “kids who have special needs… are often the most vulnerable to abuse.”
Fleuridor’s Statement
According to the affidavit, Fleuridor denied having a sexual relationship with the student but admitted that he continued communicating with her and failed to report the contact as required by school policy.
Authorities have not released additional details while the investigation continues.
Understanding Legal Options After Abuse by a School Job Coach
Families who discover their child may have been sexually abused by a school job coach often face confusion, fear, and unanswered questions about what they can do next. Florida abuse lawyer Jen Lipinski shares more about the legal paths available to families, from reporting to law enforcement to pursuing civil claims against both the individual offender and any institution that may have failed to protect the student.
Laurence Banville, Esq.: Beyond the criminal case, how can a civil lawsuit help these families?
Jen Lipinski, Esq.: A civil case can seek financial compensation for therapy, medical care, educational support, and the long-term emotional harm that often follows this kind of abuse. It can also force schools and related institutions to answer tough questions about hiring, supervision, and prior complaints, which sometimes leads to policy changes designed to protect other students.
Banville: Many parents worry about timing. Is there a limited window for bringing a lawsuit in Florida?
Lipinski: Yes, Florida has specific deadlines, called statutes of limitations, that can vary based on the age of the victim and the nature of the claim. That is why families should talk with a lawyer familiar with Florida abuse cases early on, so they do not miss an important filing deadline.
Banville: What would you say to families who feel scared or unsure about coming forward?
Lipinski: They are not alone, and they are not responsible for what was done to their child. Reaching out to an attorney who regularly handles educator-abuse cases can help them understand their rights, explore all of their legal options, and decide on a path that feels right for their family.
Take Action Now – Free Consultation Available
If you or your family have been affected by educator abuse like the case involving Jeffrey Fleuridor, do not wait to protect your rights. Contact our experienced Florida abuse attorneys today for a free, confidential consultation – we stand ready to guide you through reporting, civil claims, and the path to justice for your loved ones. Call now to start the process with a team dedicated to victims' recovery.
