News Summary
Daniel Jeremiah Huerta, a 26-year-old substitute teacher at Howard Middle School in Orlando, faces serious charges after allegations of inappropriate behavior with students. Reports indicate multiple seventh graders witnessed him engaging in sexually explicit actions during class. Huerta admitted to misconduct during police questioning, including browsing inappropriate material on his phone. His employment with Kelly Education has been terminated following the incident, which raises concerns about the safety of students in educational environments.
Orlando – Daniel Jeremiah Huerta, a 26-year-old substitute teacher, has been arrested on charges of inappropriate conduct with students at Howard Middle School. The Orlando Police Department (OPD) began their investigation on October 9, 2025, after receiving reports from at least four seventh-grade students regarding Huerta’s disturbing behavior during class sessions.
According to the students, Huerta was seen engaging in sexually explicit behavior, including touching himself both inside and outside his pants while visibly aroused. They also reported that he was browsing nude photos on his phone during class time. Witnesses described Huerta as having a “witch’s laugh” while partaking in these actions, raising significant alarms among the students, who subsequently reported the incidents.
Following the allegations, Principal Dr. John McHale took swift action by notifying Kelly Education, the company that provides substitute teachers for Orange County Public Schools. Huerta began his tenure with Kelly Education in December 2024 and had experience working with a wide range of students, from kindergarten through high school. His conduct has raised serious concerns about the safety and well-being of students within the district.
During police questioning, Huerta admitted to scrolling through Instagram, where he may have been looking at pictures of women in bikinis. He also confessed to inappropriately touching himself while he was in the classroom with students present. Authorities searched his home and discovered bodily fluids on the jeans he was wearing on the day of the incident.
Huerta faces serious charges, including offenses against students by authority figures and committing an unnatural or lascivious act. After his arrest, he was released on a $6,000 bond. In response to the situation, Kelly Education issued a statement reaffirming their commitment to student safety and announcing that Huerta is no longer employed with them.
Judith Slater, a grandparent of one of the students at Howard Middle School, expressed her concerns about the incident and highlighted the importance of parents discussing inappropriate behavior with their children and ensuring they know how to recognize it.
Orange County Public Schools has been informed about Huerta’s arrest and reiterated their commitment to student safety, clarifying that substitutes are not direct employees of the school district. This incident has raised eyebrows about the oversight and recruitment processes of substitute educators.
In addition to his role as a substitute teacher, Huerta previously worked at well-known attractions, including SeaWorld and Disney World, where he also interacted with children and families. The investigation into his actions is ongoing, and authorities are expected to release further information as it becomes available.
This alarming incident serves as a reminder of the necessary vigilance required to ensure children’s safety in educational environments. Parents and guardians are encouraged to maintain open lines of communication with their children about recognizing and addressing inappropriate behavior.
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Additional Resources
- WESH: Florida Substitute Teacher Accused of Naked Photos in Classroom
- Google Search: Florida Substitute Teacher Arrested
- My News 13: Substitute Accused of Inappropriate Behavior
- Google Scholar: Inappropriate Behavior in Education
- Fox 35 Orlando: Multiple Central Florida Substitute Teacher Arrests
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Teacher Misconduct
- Click Orlando: Substitute Teacher Arrested for Lewd Acts
- Google News: Florida Substitute Teacher Misconduct
Author: STAFF HERE ORLANDO WRITER
ORLANDO STAFF WRITER The ORLANDO STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREOrlando.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Orlando, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Orlando International Fringe Theatre Festival, Megacon Orlando, and Central Florida Fair. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Orlando Economic Partnership and Hispanic Chamber of Commerce Metro Orlando, plus leading businesses in leisure and hospitality that power the local economy such as Walt Disney World Resort, AdventHealth, and Universal Orlando. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREJacksonville.com, HEREPetersburg.com, HERETallahassee.com, and HERETampa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Florida's dynamic landscape.
