Teacher Arrested on Molestation Charges

A high school baseball coach is arrested after two teens claim he touched them inappropriately. Charles Johnson is being called an icon in the Fort Pierce community, but now he is arrested and charged with molesting 2 high school students. St. Lucie County Sheriff Ken Mascara says, "Everyone knows Coach Johnson. He's an icon, his son a major league baseball player, regarded very highly in the community. It's a shock." A shock even to students who knew him as a baseball coach and math teacher. After a week long investigation by the St. Lucie County Sheriff's Office, Charles Johnson was charged with 2 counts of lewd or lascivious molestation. Deputies say it happened at Fort Pierce Westwood High School. One 15 year old student says Coach Johnson touched her inappropriately twice. Both times at school. Mascara says, "In this instance he touched both in a very private area. One, he must have felt some time of remorse because he said, "Please don't tell your mama about this."

During the investigation, another student came forward making similar claims. That students report is still being investigated. Charles Johnson is the father of former Marlins catcher, Charles Johnson. Johnson attended Fort Pierce Westwood and played for the Marlins in the mid 90's. The St. Lucie County School District tells us Johnson Sr. was placed on administrative re-assignment last Friday. The district says, "After the resolution of the charges they will review the matter to determine whether a violation of its policies and procedures occurred and the appropriate action to take concerning his employment." Johnson was interviewed by Deputies. He denies the allegations. Since his arrest last night, Johnson has posted bond and is out of jail told to have no contact with minors.