Deputies: Manatee County school employee impregnated student

PALMETTO (FOX 13) - A Manatee County middle school employee was arrested on Thursday for allegedly getting a young student pregnant.

According to the Manatee County School District, 31-year-old Lamont Houston was hired as a teacher’s assistant at Lincoln Middle School in 2014. He became the graduation enhancement technician there in 2015.

The arrest report states that the inappropriate relationship between Houston and the young girl began with text messages towards the end of the school year.

Authorities say Houston met the girl on campus, but the "actions that led to her becoming pregnant" occurred off campus in his car.

Police records indicate that on two occasions, Houston picked up the girl in his car without her parents’ permission or knowledge. When she later learned she was pregnant, she reported the incident to her mother.

Because of the sensitive nature of this case, the Palmetto police chief says they are making sure the girl’s identity is kept a secret.

It appears that she is the only victim, but police are asking to hear from others if any other students experienced inappropriate actions from Houston. 

Manatee County School District’s general counsel issued the following statement:

“The School District on Thursday was alerted of the arrest of Graduation Enhancement Technician Lamont Houston. Based upon this notification, the School District followed all protocols and procedures that protect the safety of our students. The employee was immediately removed from the school and any contact with students. On Friday, Mr. Houston resigned and agreed not to seek any reemployment with the District. In addition to this resignation, the District will be seeking termination proceedings against Mr. Houston."

The court set Houston’s bond at $55,000.

FOX 13’s Kim Kuizon is on the story and will be posting updates on social media throughout the day.