Report: Arrested teacher groomed student before sending messages leading to his charges
Details of a warrant affidavit leading to the July 17 arrest of Audley Hewitt, of the 8000 block of Westfield Circle, outline his alleged behavior toward the student, which is reported to have begun at age 16, and at some point during his time as her teacher from 2023 through 2025.
Another IR Prep teacher at the grades 6 to 12 alternative school alerted law enforcement May 14 after reviewing messages initiated by Hewitt to the student from Jan. 22 through March 5.
Indian River County Sheriff's Office Capt. Joe Abollo said the school notified the agency's school resource deputy the same day, beginning a two-month investigation.
The length of the investigation was attributed to the time it took for social media companies to grant law enforcement access to Hewitt's social media content and messages that would become evidence for his arrest.
In statements of what are said to be messages from Hewitt to the girl, he several times requests to meet her for sex and for images of her. He acknowledges her age and that they would have to 'be careful' to not get caught.
Later he began sending money for various expenses leading to what amounted to a proposition of $200 for sex with the student, according to the affidavit.
Deputies were told Hewitt requested the student to come into his classroom and instructed her to 'write her email and phone number down on a sheet of paper' leading to the social media conversation.
According to the affidavit and statements from the student, 'Hewitt would also refer to the conversation while in person.'
In one message exchange Hewitt is accused of sending 'a photograph of the victim's updated passing grade,' and several times mentioned he was doing her homework, instructing her how to respond if asked.
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Abollo said it does not appear an actual physical encounter occurred between Hewitt and the girl.
Hewitt's battery charge Abollo said was a result of the alleged inappropriate touching beginning in 2023.
According to the affidavit, around that time, Hewitt began 'rubbing her back' and 'making unnecessary conversation' with the teen, which turned into what she said was an estimated 60 instances of the behavior throughout the year.
The report shows Hewitt referenced the touching in the messages with the girl.
Asked if other students had made complaints against Hewitt or if he was suspected of similar behavior with other students, Abollo said, "it's still an active investigation" and that detectives were "looking at that angle."
After being notified of the accusation, the district removed Hewitt from his teaching role and employed him in the school district print shop.
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In a statement following his arrest, a district spokesperson said the superintendent was seeking an expedited termination of Hewitt.
Hewitt was named the 2022 IR Prep "Teacher of the Year," according to school district social media records.
He has been charged with: Soliciting to commit sexual battery on a child; battery touch or strike; attempted sexual activity with a minor; and unlawful use of a two-way communication device, according to Indian River County Sheriff's Office records.
Following his first appearance in court July 18 on the four charges, jail records showed Hewitt remained incarcerated on $115,000 bail and did not have an attorney listed.
Corey Arwood is a breaking news reporter for TCPalm. Follow Corey on Twitter @coreyarwood, or reach him by phone at 772-978-2246.
This article originally appeared on Treasure Coast Newspapers: Teacher groomed student before sending messages, arrest, report shows
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