Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
- Crimes Against Children Unit

Clearwater Police Department

Marselia Anthony Smith (Arrested)
DOB: 05/05/1984
Address: 1106 South Missouri Avenue, #306, Clearwater
Charge: One count of Lewd and Lascivious Battery

The victim, who was a 14-year-old minor at the time of the incident. Per Florida Statute 119.071(2)(h)1 no further details will be released that would tend to identify the victim.

What:
Detectives have arrested a former Dunedin Middle School teacher for Lewd and Lascivious Battery with a 14-year-old male student.

When:
The incident occurred in February 2018.

The suspect was charged at about 1:00 a.m., on May 31, 2018.

Where:
The crime occurred at Dunedin Middle School, 70 Patricia Avenue, Dunedin.

Why/How:
Detectives have arrested a former Dunedin Middle School teacher for Lewd and Lascivious Battery with a 14-year-old male student.

According to detectives, the investigation began on May 31, 2018, after receiving information from Clearwater Police Department regarding their arrest of 34-year-old Marselia Anthony Smith for two counts of Lewd and Lascivious Battery. During the course of their investigation and interview of Smith, Clearwater detectives learned there was a crime committed at Dunedin Middle School, which is within the Sheriff’s Office jurisdiction. Detectives say Smith was a chorus teacher at Dunedin Middle School, but is no longer employed with the school.

The investigation determined that Smith initially began to communicate with the victim through a social networking website. Smith was not the14-year-old male victim’s teacher, but is known to Smith through attending the school.

According to detectives, the victim stated Smith engaged in inappropriate sexual activity with him at Dunedin Middle School in February of 2018. The inappropriate activity did not occur during school hours.

Through various investigative techniques, detectives were able to corroborate the victim’s statements.

Detectives attempted to interview Smith at the Pinellas County Jail, but he declined. In a prior interview with Clearwater detectives, Smith did admit to all charges.

Smith was charged with one count of Lewd and Lascivious Battery.

Detectives are unaware if there are additional victims. Anyone with more information, please call Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office, Crimes Against Children Unit, Detective A. Weistock at 727-582-6483.

The investigation continues.

Booking photo of Smith