Overview
- Plantation Police arrested Christopher George Santanelli, 42, on Jan. 8 and charged him with authority figure engaged in a romantic relationship with a student.
- An arrest affidavit says investigators documented gift-giving, text and social media communications, and a handwritten note expressing personal affection.
- The student, who turned 18 before the relationship became romantic, reported repeated kissing, hugs, and back rubs but no sexual intercourse.
- The affidavit describes time spent alone in school areas with limited visibility, including the chorus room office and the library.
- The principal told families the teacher was detained before classes and reassigned away from students, and court records list no prior criminal history as release conditions bar contact with the student and any minors or entry to Broward school property.