Teacher arrested for sexual relationship with 17-year-old student

GULF BREEZE, FL – A Gulf Breeze High School teacher was arrested, accused of having an inappropriate relationship with a student. Molly Mersereau, formerly listed as the Hospitality and Tourism Academy teacher, appeared in court following her arrest.

The investigation began after a tip was received, leading deputies to interview the alleged victim’s family. Although the student initially denied any wrongdoing, evidence was found at both the student’s and Mersereau’s homes, including love letters exchanged over several months.

Mersereau, 36, faces multiple felony charges, including soliciting a romantic relationship with a student and using electronic devices to commit a felony. Evidence suggests she used a burner phone to communicate with the student during the investigation.

Santa Rosa County Chief Deputy Randy Tifft reported that the student involved is 17 years old. Despite the serious nature of the allegations, the investigation found no inappropriate conduct occurred on school premises.

The court set Mersereau’s bond at $30,000, with conditions including GPS monitoring and no contact with the student. The judge emphasized the importance of these restrictions to ensure compliance.

Santa Rosa County Schools placed Mersereau on unpaid administrative leave following her arrest. The district released a statement expressing their commitment to addressing the situation seriously.

Authorities urge parents to monitor their children’s online activities and be vigilant about unknown devices, as these can facilitate unauthorized communication.

Mersereau’s next court appearance is scheduled for August 21. The case continues to unfold as more details emerge from the investigation.