News Summary
James Tellis, a former employee of IDEA Jacksonville, has been arrested on felony charges linked to the alleged sexual assault of a minor. Investigators found he communicated with the victim on Instagram and attempted to bribe them with money. Following the arrest, IDEA Jacksonville terminated Tellis immediately. Authorities are investigating potential additional victims and ensuring the safety of minors in the community.
Jacksonville
James Tellis, a 27-year-old former employee of IDEA Jacksonville, was arrested on July 26, 2025, following an outstanding arrest warrant. He faces severe felony charges, including first-degree felony sexual battery and unlawful use of a two-way device, related to the alleged sexual assault of a minor.
According to the arrest report, investigators believe the sexual battery incident occurred around March 20, 2023, or 2024. During the investigation, it was found that Tellis used Instagram as a means to communicate with the victim and allegedly offered them food as a form of bribery before the assault took place. Following the incident, Tellis reportedly sent the victim $45 through Cash App and attempted to reconnect one week later. However, the victim chose not to communicate with Tellis any further and did not contact him for over two years following the event.
IDEA Jacksonville was informed of Tellis’s arrest the morning after it took place, leading to his immediate termination from the charter school. The institution maintains that there is no indication the incident involved any of its students, and emphasizes that all employees are subject to thorough state and federal background checks. It remains uncertain if the alleged incident occurred before Tellis was hired at the school.
In addition to first-degree felony sexual battery, Tellis has also been charged with soliciting a child using a computer and offenses against students by authority figures. As of now, he is in custody at Duval County Jail without bond.
The police report details that Tellis engaged in inappropriate communications with the victim, including discussions concerning the alleged sexual assault. Investigators retrieved data from Tellis’s phone that indicated the potential presence of additional victims. These individuals, both male and female, are believed to range in age from 10 to 17.
Employment Background
Tellis’s employment history reveals he previously worked as an English teacher at both Charter Schools USA and KIPP Jacksonville Public Schools. KIPP Jacksonville has stated that they have no evidence suggesting that their students were involved in the situation and have pledged to cooperate with law enforcement during the ongoing investigation.
As the investigation unfolds, it has been disclosed that at least three CyberTips were submitted to the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children regarding potential unrelated victims of exploitation and voyeurism associated with Tellis. This further complicates the case as investigators probe into Tellis’s background and his past interactions with minors.
Family Response
Tellis’s wife has declined to participate in the investigation and has chosen not to speak with the police. This lack of cooperation raises additional questions about the context of the allegations and how they might impact the ongoing investigation.
As authorities continue their work, the focus remains on ensuring the safety of minors and uncovering the full extent of Tellis’s alleged actions. The community is urged to remain vigilant and report any information that may assist in the investigation.
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Author: STAFF HERE JACKSONVILLE WRITER
The JACKSONVILLE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREJacksonville.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Jacksonville, Duval County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Jacksonville Jazz Festival, Riverside Arts Market, and World of Nations Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Jacksonville Chamber of Commerce and JAXUSA Partnership, plus leading businesses in logistics, healthcare, and entertainment that power the local economy such as CSX Corporation, Baptist Health, and VyStar Credit Union. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREOrlando.com, HEREStPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
