WJBF.com
A Harlem Middle School teacher has been charged with a sex crime. Joseph Scalise is an eighth-grade teacher and coach who was arrested on Friday June 9th, and charged with sexual exploitation of children.
Major Steve Morris with the Columbia County Sheriff’s Office has revealed that the victim is a 14-year-old former student of the suspect. The victim’s grandfather told police that his granddaughter was receiving inappropriate (and sexually suggestive) messages via Snapchat.
The 14-year-old received one message that says, “I’m still wondering how that (cake emoji) looks or are you chicken?”
And if you’re no stranger to online lingo, cake is another word for butt. Major Morris knew this and the department took action against Scalise. They believe he was asking for a photograph of the victim’s behind.
The suspect has been denied bond.
Columbia County Schools released a statement reflecting the arrest. The statement says that they that know about the situation and will “take appropriate action in this case.”
If Scalise is found guilty, his job will be terminated.
