Principal's husband accused of raping exchange students

BROOKSVILLE (FOX 13) - Police say the husband of a Hernando County private school principal preyed upon foreign exchange students. Bruce McAllister, whom they say is also a Hernando Christian Academy staff member, faces several charges of sexual battery.

It was back on April 29 when police in Brooksville got a tip about sex crimes at McAllister’s home on Cappleman Loop.

FOX 13 News has learned the tip came from one of the victim's parents.

After investigating, detectives say McAllister used the school-sponsored foreign exchange program to lure boys to the house. That’s where, a police spokesperson says, he “courted and molested several underage teenage boys” from August 2016 until recently.

Investigators said they also identified a victim from 2006. 

Police believe McAllister used his wife, Cathy's status as principal at Hernando Christian Academy when luring victims. Police described Bruce McAllister as a school staff member, but he is not listed on the school's website.  

The Hernando County Sheriff's Office said McAllister also volunteered there around 6 days a month since 2010. He was tasked with taking DNA swabs and fingerprints for evidence purposes. Sheriff Al Neinhus says his role as a volunteer has been terminated. 

Hernando Christian Academy, meanwhile, issued a statement Thursday promising an investigation.

"Hernando Christian Academy has not had the opportunity to verify the veracity of the allegations," the statement read, in part. "No Hernando Christian Academy employees, including the wife of the alleged offender, have been implicated."

McAllister, 68, was booked into the Hernando County Jail on $77,000 bond.  He faces five counts of sexual battery and 27 counts of battery, but police say the investigation is ongoing because they believe more potential victims exist.

Anyone with information is asked to contact Crime Stoppers.