Polk County teacher Dale Pennington arrested after allegedly sexting with 16-year-old student

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Posted: 09/06/2012

By: Blake Sabatinelli

HAINES CITY, Fla. - A teacher at Ridge Community High School was arrested Wednesday after he allegedly sent inappropriate messages to a former student of his.

Dale Pennington, 36, is charged with a number of crimes, including 15 counts of using a computer to seduce a child.

According to Sheriff Grady Judd, the inapproriate behavior began in May and continued up until last week.

Judd said communication between Pennington and the victim started innocently enough, but escalated quickly.

"It went from texting to sexting."

Pennington, who is married, confessed to the crimes, Judd said.

"His confession was as graphic as the probable cause affidavit."

Pennington, who is also the assistant boys soccer coach at the school, is currently on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.

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