ST. JOHNS COUNTY, Fla. — Matthew Christopher Yates, who taught at Veritas Classical School in St. Augustine, faces a minimum of 10 years in federal prison for attempting to entice a 14-year-old to meet him for sexual activity.
An FBI agent found Yates on a social media application in February, where he went by the username “English teacher.” The agent, who was posing as a 14-year-old child, responded to one of Yates’ posts when he suggested they meet at the beach.
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Then, on another social media platform, Yates and the “14-year-old” exchanged photos. Between Feb. 22 and March 11, Yates and the “child’ sent numerous text messages and photos that were sexually suggestive.
On March 11, Yates made plans with the undercover agent to meet for sexual activity. When he arrived at the prearranged location, he was subsequently arrested by FBI agents.
Yates was searched and FBI agents found several condoms in his possession.
Action News Jax Law and Safety Expert Dale Carson weighed in on the charges. Carson has more than 30 years of experience in law enforcement, including time with the FBI.
“In the federal system, this charge ultimately is solicitation of a minor over the internet for sexual behavior and is an extraordinarily serious charge,” Carson said.
Carson said attempting to entice and meet a minor to engage in sexual activity is a serious charge even if nothing ever happened or was going to happen.
He said cases like these are mostly open and shut.
“Arrangements were made to meet and that’s sufficient evidence to support a conviction beyond a reasonable doubt,” Carson said.
He also said it is very likely Yates will never step in a classroom again after these charges.
“Who is going to watch him and protect children in our community? And the answer is no one’s going to do that. The simplest solution is for him to remain in custody,” Carson said.
He said there may not be an additional investigation with Yates’ students.
“We try not to question students about behavior like this unless a parent comes forward with information suggesting one of the children from school has been somehow contacted by this individual outside the framework of teaching,” Carson said
Yates’ photograph has been removed from the website for Veritas Classical School in St. Augustine.
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