A former teacher has been arrested, accused of engaging in sexual activity with a 16-year-old boy.

According to detectives, 39-year-old Elisha Joy Kingsley befriended the victim while she was a teacher at Canterbury School of Florida, a private school in St. Petersburg.

Detectives said the suspect and the victim began texting each other via phone in mid-June and then they began to meet up at various locations throughout Pinellas County.

Detectives said the victim and the suspect engaged in sexual activity at an undisclosed location on or around July 5. Kingsley has been charged with one count of unlawful sexual activity with a minor.

Detectives said since Kingsley is a former teacher and had frequent contact with children, there could be other victims.

Mac Hall, Head of School, Canterbury School of Florida, released the following statement Monday afternoon;

"This situation is deeply sad for us, because our students and their safety is our primary concern. We are aware of the arrest of a former employee. The teacher resigned before this information became available to us, however once we were made aware of the information we immediately reported the matter to DCF as required by law."



Anyone with information on this investigation or other potential victims, is asked to contact Detective J. Stibbard with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office Crimes Against Children Unit at 727-582-6200 or to remain anonymous and be eligible for a reward contact Crime Stoppers at 1-800-873-TIPS or www.crimestoppersofpinellas.org.

