Marion County PE Teacher Jailed on Molestation Charge

Jeffery Farris, a 54-year-old physical education teacher for Marion County Public Schools, was taken into custody this week. He faces a charge of molestation of a child under age 12. Farris is currently held in the Marion County Jail on no bond.

The arrest stems from an incident at Saddlewood Elementary. The victim, who was eight years old at the time of the alleged incident, told investigators that Farris grabbed her buttocks and genital area from behind while she was bending over. She also reported that he grabbed her by the waist on other occasions.

During his interview with detectives, Farris was asked if he knew why he was being questioned. He responded that he believed the inquiry was related to a recent event where he saw a student's nipple while helping her unzip a jacket. No bond was set for his release.

Farris has a prior disciplinary record with the school district. In 2017, while working as a wrestling coach at West Port High School, he was suspended. A district investigation found that he had shared a hotel room with a female student during a wrestling trip. No sexual contact was alleged in that 2017 matter.

The current charge involves the student from Saddlewood Elementary. Farris remains in detention as the case proceeds through the Marion County legal system.