GULF BREEZE, Fla. — A Gulf Breeze High School teacher, Molly Mersereau, 36, has been arrested on multiple felony charges after allegedly engaging in a romantic relationship with a 17-year-old student, according to the Santa Rosa County Sheriff’s Office.
Mersereau, who taught in the school’s hospitality and tourism academy, now faces charges including a sex offense involving an authority figure and soliciting or engaging in an inappropriate relationship with a student.
Her profile has been removed from the school’s website, and she appeared before a judge this week, where her bond was set at $30,000. Conditions include wearing a passive GPS monitor and having no contact with the victim.
According to an arrest report obtained by WEAR News, investigators began looking into the case after receiving a tip through Crime Stoppers. The report described how the teacher and student were frequently seen alone together in Mersereau’s vehicle, including during school trips and before classes—behavior considered unusual by authorities.
Investigators found love letters exchanged between the two over several months. Although the student initially denied the relationship, further interviews with another minor and evidence collected from both homes confirmed the allegations, police say.
Santa Rosa County Chief Deputy Randy Tifft stated:
“They’re just little love letters about their affection for each other. Not really sure how long it lasted, but the letters date back several months.”
Though police found no indication that misconduct occurred on school grounds, they uncovered further complications when Mersereau allegedly continued to communicate with the student despite knowing she was under investigation. Authorities say she used a burner phone and may have provided the student with additional unmonitored devices, including an iPad.
“This phone that the minor used was given over by the teacher… parents need to really monitor their children’s activities on social media and check for hidden devices,” Tifft warned.
An additional charge was filed for using a two-way communication device to commit a felony, after deputies seized electronic devices during the investigation.
The Santa Rosa County School District declined an on-camera interview but provided a written statement regarding the arrest.
