Substitute teacher tried to sleep with student, deputies say

RIVERVIEW (FOX 13) - A Hillsborough County substitute teacher had his first court appearance Friday, a day after he was arrested on  charges he had inappropriate contact with a 14-year-old student.

Samuel Bullock Jr., 23, is being held in jail on $100,000 bond following his hearing.

According to the arrest affidavit, which was read by the judge in court, "between August 30, 2015, and September  16, 2015, the defendant, a substitute teacher for the Hillsborough County School District, used his personal cell  phone to communicate with the 14-year-old victim."

Detectives reported that Bullock had numerous inappropriate conversations with the victim and tried to meet her to have sex, but never did. He's also accused of meeting the victim in a classroom where they, "hugged one another and kissed."

Investigators said they found sexually explicit photographs on the victim's cell phone that had been sent from Bullock's cell phone.

Tanya Arja, a spokesperson for Hillsborough County Schools, said parents were notified Thursday.

"It's obviously very upsetting and disappointing any time someone breaks the trust of the people that we put in  the classrooms in front of our students," Arja said. "He will no longer be at any of our schools any longer, so we have severed ties with him."

Bullock is employed by Kelly Educational Staffing, which is a company contracted by the district to send substitutes when needed.

Brian J. Smith, senior public relations manager for Kelly Services, released the following statement:

Deputies are asking anyone who also had this kind of contact with Bullock to call the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office.