WINTER HAVEN, FL — Otis Cutshaw, a 55-year-old teacher and boys’ tennis coach at Winter Haven High School, was arrested Thursday, July 23, 2026, by the Polk County Sheriff’s Office after investigators say he sexually battered a 15-year-old female student multiple times.
The investigation opened on Wednesday, July 22, after authorities learned of the inappropriate relationship. The victim told detectives the sexual encounters began after the school year ended in May 2026, occurring frequently in early summer and daily in the past week. Communication took place mainly through messaging apps like GroupMe.
According to the Polk County Sheriff’s Office, forensic examination of the teen’s phone recovered deleted messages, explicit photos, and videos — including images and recordings Cutshaw allegedly sent of himself with his penis exposed or masturbating. In one recorded phone call, Cutshaw reportedly told the victim he had deleted their chat history and needed to coordinate stories with her.
Cutshaw admitted to detectives that he traveled to the girl’s residence about five times while her parents were away, engaging in oral sex and unprotected vaginal intercourse. He also acknowledged exchanging nude images and videos, giving her gifts, and deleting messages because he knew police were coming to his home. Authorities say he expressed hope of eventually marrying the 15-year-old, despite being married with two children.
Cutshaw faces more than 30 charges, including:
- 5 counts of sexual battery by a custodial figure (F1)
- 5 counts of traveling to meet a minor (F2)
- 5 counts of unlawful use of a two-way communication device (F3)
- 7 counts of transmission of harmful material to a minor (F3)
- 8 counts of possession of obscene material depicting a minor (M2)
- Use of a device to solicit sexual conduct with a minor (F3)
- Child pornography (F3)
- Offenses against students by authority figures (F2)
- Lewd molestation (F2)
- Tampering with physical evidence (F1)
He was taken into custody and transported to the Polk County Sheriff’s Processing Center. Polk County Public Schools Superintendent Fred Heid said in a statement:
“We are disgusted to hear that someone entrusted with educating and protecting children has been arrested for such unacceptable behavior. We are terminating his employment, and he will have no further involvement with our students. The school district will continue to cooperate fully with the Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigation.”
The district has immediately terminated Cutshaw’s employment. The investigation remains ongoing. Nothing further at this time.
SOURCE: POLK COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
