PORT ORANGE, Fla. – A Volusia County school staff member has been arrested on allegations of having inappropriate interactions with a minor, officials confirmed on Monday.

The man — later identified by police as Jeffery Summers, 51 — is a paraprofessional at Horizon Elementary School in Port Orange, according to Volusia County Schools.

In a release, police said that Summers was arrested alongside 15 other people as part of “Operation Full Throttle,” a sting operation amid this year’s Bike Week targeting suspects accused of crimes related to child exploitation.

Summers himself faces charges of obscene communications with a minor, involving using a computer to solicit/lure the child and traveling to meet the child, the release shows.

Sarah Lux, spokesperson for Volusia County Schools, said that he was in his fourth year with the district and worked with students in exceptional student education (ESE). He did not teach a specific grade and moved around classrooms, Lux said.

School officials said an internal professional standards investigation has been launched.

“Our staff is working with law enforcement to ensure their investigation can move forward appropriately,” Lux said. “The individual has been placed on leave and will have no interaction with students moving forward. Further action will be determined based on the findings of the investigation.”

Lux said mental health resources will be available at Horizon Elementary School on Tuesday for any students or staff who need support.

A letter and voicemail about the arrest was sent to parents.

“Dear Horizon Elementary School families,

This is Principal Johnson with an important message. This morning, Volusia County Schools was made aware that a staff member at Horizon Elementary was arrested for inappropriate interactions with a minor. We take these charges very seriously and are working with the Port Orange Police Department to ensure the investigation can move forward without delay.

Our most critical priority every day is the safety of our students. The staff member has been placed on leave while the POPD conducts their investigation. VCS is also conducting an internal professional standards investigation. The staff member will not be allowed on any VCS campus and will have no further interaction with students until the investigations conclude and a determination can be made.

A crisis team will be on campus Monday to assist any students who need support or counseling.

Thank you for your understanding on this matter.”

Anyone who may have additional information about Summers or the other suspects involved in Operation Full Throttle is asked to contact detectives at (386) 506-5894.