ST. AUGUSTINE, Fla. — Parents are reacting to news that a Bartram Trail High School teacher is at the center of a felony sex crime investigation after being accused of inappropriately touching himself in front of young girls at St. Augustine Beach.

Christopher Ford, 29, a history teacher and boys golf coach, has been placed on paid leave by the St. Johns County school district and faces possible termination.

Documents obtained by First Coast News include a letter from Superintendent Dr. Brennan Asplen confirming Ford’s disciplinary leave status.

According to Ford’s arrest report, he approached a group of girls swimming on Saturday and intentionally stood close to them, drawing concern from nearby parents.

Investigators say Ford touched himself inappropriately in the water and was later seen approaching a second group of young girls, at one point positioning himself so a girl was pushed into him by waves multiple times.

Parents of students expressed alarm and disappointment over the allegations.

“It’s very sad, he messed up his future, his career,” said Jasmin Louie, a parent whose daughter recently graduated from Bartram Trail High and was one of Ford’s former students.

Ford has denied any wrongdoing, according to the arrest report, but the community remains concerned.

“He shouldn’t be in the business of teaching children,” said Dawn Wilcox, a parent in the area.

Dr. Asplen said in a statement:

“I expect all employees to adhere to high standards of ethical, professional, and civil conduct in all interactions while helping our students to be academically successful.”

At the upcoming regular school board meeting on September 9, the superintendent intends to recommend his termination.

“That’s not what we want in our community, not in this city,” Louie said. “We want Bartram to be one of the best schools in the area.”