A high school football coach in Bartow, Florida, has been arrested and charged with multiple offenses related to inappropriate conduct with teenage girls. Tyler Eden, 31, who served as the head football coach and educator at Bartow High School, is facing serious allegations of lewd behavior, including sexual propositions, inappropriate touching, and voyeurism. Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd described the situation as a troubling case of predatory behavior within a school environment.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the investigation began when a school resource officer was contacted by the guardian of a 16-year-old girl who reported that Eden had made inappropriate comments and touched her inappropriately. The affidavit detailed a series of incidents that took place during the girl’s community service hours at the school. Initially, Eden had suggested that the student earn community service hours by helping him in the locker room. During her visits, he allegedly made sexually suggestive remarks, including discussing his marital status while expressing a desire to engage in sexual activities with another teacher.
The situation escalated when Eden reportedly attempted to unzip the girl’s jacket under the pretext of helping her fix it, despite her discomfort. The victim later recounted that Eden made comments about her bra while standing in a doorway and insisted there were no cameras in the room, suggesting a clear intent to isolate her and engage in inappropriate behavior.
Sheriff Judd emphasized the seriousness of the allegations, labeling Eden as a “total creep” and underscoring the importance of the victim’s immediate reporting of the incidents to her parents. The swift action taken by the girl’s guardians and school officials ultimately led to law enforcement becoming involved, which has been commended by the sheriff.
Eden has been charged with lewd offenses against a student by an authority figure, lewd and lascivious touching of a minor, and misdemeanor voyeurism. These charges highlight the gravity of his alleged actions, particularly given his position of authority over the victims. Eden’s actions not only breach ethical standards but also violate legal statutes designed to protect students from predatory behavior.
During the investigation, two additional female students came forward with their own allegations against Eden, revealing a pattern of similar inappropriate conduct. One student reported that Eden had made lewd comments regarding her career aspirations, while another stated that he had discussed having access to areas without cameras where inappropriate activities could occur. These accounts further substantiate the claims against Eden and suggest a troubling trend in his interactions with female students.
In response to the allegations, Polk County Public Schools have announced Eden’s termination, with Superintendent Fred Hyde stating that such behavior is “unconscionable” and that the district is committed to ensuring the safety of its students. Sheriff Judd has called for other potential victims to come forward, expressing concern that there may be additional individuals who were similarly targeted but have not yet reported their experiences.
As the legal proceedings unfold, Eden is currently being held in the Polk County Jail, where he faces serious charges that could lead to significant consequences if found guilty. The case serves as a stark reminder of the need for vigilance and accountability in educational institutions to protect students from predatory behavior.