Local principal arrested during online prostitution sting during RNC week

WINTER HAVEN, Fla. - The Polk County Sheriff's Office arrested 89 people, including a high school principal, during a week-long, online prostitution investigation.

An Orlando man who went to Polk County to have sex with a child, and Kathleen High School principal Cecil McClellan, 49, were among those arrested, authorities said.

News of the principals arrest came as a shock to students, parents and staff.

"I was like I don't believe this, I really didn't," explained Lyndsey King who graduated in June.  "He was a good Christian."

By most accounts, McClellan was a model citizen who was well-liked and well-known in the community.  Ironically, one of the arresting deputies is his former student.

"To say that we are disappointed and embarrassed for his family is an understatement," said Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd.

Judd knew the community would not believe the arrest, that is why her released undercover video.  Judd says it shows McClellan ask the fake prostitute to wash his hands and then comes back near the bed and strips off his shirt.

The shirt McClellan was wearing had the high school's logo on it, authorities sad.

"He went through a lot of effort between Sunday night and when he arrived Wednesday afternoon to pick out just the prostitute he wanted," Judd explained.

Judd told ABC Action News McClellan was negotiating with undercover officers while working and ended up agreeing to pay $60 for sex.

"He new the lingo," Judd said.

Some parents no longer believe McClellan is fit to be around students.

"He was a good principal but he is not a role model any more for the students and I don't think he should be here," said Betty Mata, a parent.

There are many though who support McClellan--calling him a great husband and an even better father.

"I don't believe for one minute that we have heard anything yet," said Dennis Apgar, whose family happens to be close friends with McClellan.

McClellan is now on paid administrative leave pending the outcome of an investigation.

The undercover investigation began on August 24 and ran through Thursday and targeted online prostitution.

Investigators also charged three women they say traveled to the area to make money from adult entertainment during the Republican National Convention.

The 89 people were charged with crimes ranging from soliciting prostitution and drug charges to battery on a law enforcement officer.