- Richard Alcalade, 26, was arrested Tuesday, according to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO).

- A private school teacher and coach in Lakeland was accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student.

- Alcalde was hired as teacher and boys’ soccer coach at Star Athletes Academy, located at 3151 Hardin Combee Road in Lakeland, in August 2023. His employment has been terminated, according to the sheriff’s office and a school administrator on campus.

- Sheriff Grady Judd said the girl was not his student, but they met at the school.

- The teenager told detectives that Alcalde gave her alcohol at school, then drove her to a gas station to buy more. The pair then drove to the Dollar General store, where he sexually battered the girl, a release from the sheriff’s office stated.

- “Richard Alcalde should never step foot in a classroom ever again,” Judd said. “Simply put—he preyed on this student and took advantage of her.

- Alcalde was charged with sexual battery by a custodian, sexual offense on a student by an authority figure and unlawful use of a two-way communications device.

- “Is this the only young lady he’s ever groomed and had sex with after giving them alcohol? We don’t know,” said Sheriff Judd. “That’s why we’d like the parents to ask their children if they know of any other inappropriate conduct by Richard.”