Following an investigation, deputies charged Crestview-area resident Joshean Del Valle Figueroa with lewd and lascivious battery involving a victim between the ages of 12 and 16 and offenses against students by authority, S.O. officials said today in a news release.
The investigation was initiated after Crestview High School administrators were notified about the incident in late February.
The alleged offense occurred in September 2024 at the suspect’s residence on Happy Trails Road in the Crestview area. The investigation determined that Figueroa used manipulation tactics and progression of behaviors to engage in a sexual act with the victim.
“The safety and well-being of our youth is paramount, and we will hold anyone in a position of authority fully accountable for violating that trust,” Sheriff Eric Aden said in the news release.
Del Valle Figueroa turned himself in at the County Jail Wednesday night.
Okaloosa County School District officials today issued the following statement:
“The Okaloosa County School District was notified today of the arrest of an 18-year-old substitute office worker. The arrest follows an allegation of inappropriate conduct with a student away from school grounds, which was first reported by a parent to school administrators who immediately contacted the Department of Children and Families, the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office, and the School District Human Resources Department. The District then revoked the individual’s substitute and volunteer privileges.
“At the time of the report, the individual was serving in a limited role as a front office substitute worker and in that capacity, held no additional duties and had no direct contact with students. The District is fully cooperating with the Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office in its investigation.”
School District Superintendent Marcus Chambers said, “The safety and well-being of our students is our highest priority. We maintain a zero-tolerance stance toward any behavior that could endanger the health or safety of our students. When this allegation came to the District’s attention, swift action was taken to ensure student safety while the matter is investigated.”
