BARTOW, Fla. — April 17, 2025 — A 31-year-old teacher and head football coach at Bartow High School has been arrested following a criminal investigation into allegations of inappropriate behavior toward multiple female students.
Tyler Eden (DOB 01/18/1994) of Bartow faces multiple charges including:
Lewd Offense Against a Student by an Authority Figure (F2)
Lewd and Lascivious Touching of a Minor (F3)
Voyeurism (M1)
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office launched an investigation on April 2, 2025, after a parent reported troubling interactions between Eden and their daughter during after-school community service activities. Detectives conducted interviews with students and school officials, revealing a pattern of concerning behavior.
According to reports, Eden invited the victim to assist with football gear, directing her into the locker room. There, he allegedly initiated a conversation about a teacher wanting to engage in sexual activity with him. The student expressed discomfort, but Eden continued discussing the topic.
During a subsequent visit, the student’s hoodie—her only top—was accidentally unzipped when it caught on a box. She asked for a shirt, and Eden reportedly unzipped her hoodie fully before eventually providing a T-shirt. As she changed in another locker room, Eden followed her and complimented her bra, while remarking there were no cameras. He allegedly urged her not to report the incident.
The student informed her parents that evening and reported it to school officials the next day. When initially questioned, Eden minimized the incident, but later admitted to attempting to fix her jacket zipper.
Further investigation uncovered similar allegations from two additional students. One reported that Eden commented on the lack of cameras in locker rooms and made sexual suggestions. Another shared that Eden made vulgar comments about women and referenced community service inappropriately.
Sheriff Grady Judd condemned the behavior:
“This guy is a total creep, and now he’s going to jail. We are not going to tolerate school teachers and coaches preying on our children.”
Polk County Public Schools Superintendent Fred Heid added:
“It’s unconscionable that an educator and coach would engage in this kind of behavior. He cannot be trusted and deserves to face justice.”
Eden was booked into the Polk County Jail and is scheduled for a first appearance on Thursday, April 17th.
All employment-related questions should be directed to Polk County Public Schools.
