Bartow High School Head Coach Tyler Eden Arrested on Lewd Charges Involving Female Students
Tyler Eden, 31, the head football coach and PE teacher at Bartow High School, was arrested April 16, 2025, after a Polk County Sheriff’s Office investigation uncovered multiple instances of inappropriate and lewd conduct with three female students. The probe—sparked by a parent report on April 2—revealed Eden allegedly made explicit sexual comments, forcibly unzipped a student’s clothing in a locker room, followed students into camera‑free areas, and discussed voyeuristic opportunities. He now faces felony charges of Lewd Offense against a Student by an Authority Figure and Lewd and Lascivious Touching of a Minor, plus a misdemeanor Voyeurism count. Sheriff Grady Judd blasted the conduct as that of a “total creep,” and the school district has moved to terminate his employment. Tampa Free PressHoodline
Background & Investigation
Polk County deputies launched their inquiry on April 2, 2025, when a parent reported that Eden had engaged in sexually suggestive conversations with their daughter during voluntary community service work in the school locker rooms.
Detectives learned Eden had recruited the student to help with athletic chores and, while she sorted football helmets under his direction, allegedly confessed he wanted to have sex with another teacher—and with her—even though he was married. ABC Action News Tampa Bay (WFTS)WTSP
The Locker Room Incidents
According to victim testimony, the day after the first conversation, Eden unzipped the student’s hoodie completely—claiming he was “fixing” it—then handed her a T-shirt. When she changed in a separate, camera‑free area, he stood behind her, complimented her bra, and noted “there are no cameras back here.” He allegedly urged her not to report the encounter.
Additional Allegations
Two more female students came forward:
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One said Eden described how “easy” it would be to carry out illicit acts in the unsupervised locker rooms and repeated the earlier story about another teacher wanting to have sex with him.
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Another reported Eden asked what career she planned after graduation. When she said gynecology, he crudely offered himself as a candidate—saying he “liked performing oral sex on women.” ABC Action News Tampa Bay (WFTS)WTSP
Charges & Booking
On April 16, Eden was arrested and booked into the Polk County Jail. He faces:
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Lewd Offense against a Student by an Authority Figure (F2)
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Lewd and Lascivious Touching of a Minor (F3)
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Voyeurism (M1) Tampa Free Presshttps://www.mysuncoast.com
Sheriff Judd’s Statement
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, renowned for his blunt rhetoric, condemned Eden’s alleged actions:
“Not only is this highly inappropriate behavior by a teacher, imagine just how frightened this student was. Here was the head football coach who was already discussing lewd behavior, unzipping her clothes, then following her into a locker room where he remarked there are no cameras, and complimenting her undergarments. This guy is a total creep, and now he’s going to jail. We are not going to tolerate anyone—especially school teachers and coaches—preying on our children.” SI
School District Response
Polk County Public Schools confirmed it has begun termination proceedings against Eden, citing district policy violations and Florida law. Officials stressed their “zero‑tolerance” stance on staff misconduct and reaffirmed that student safety is paramount.
Community Impact
The arrest has reignited debate over security measures in school facilities, especially the absence of surveillance in private areas like locker rooms. Parents and advocates are calling for enhanced training, stricter access controls, and expanded camera coverage to prevent future abuses of authority. DailyRidge.com – Fast-Factual-Freehttps://www.mysuncoast.com
Next Steps:
Eden’s first court appearance is scheduled for April 17, 2025. The community awaits updates on bond conditions and further legal proceedings.
