Crestview High School Substitute Office Worker Arrested for Inappropriate Conduct with Minor

Crestview High School Substitute Office Worker Arrested for Inappropriate Conduct with Minor

CRESTVIEW, FL — The Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO) has arrested 18-year-old Joshean Del Valle Figueroa, a substitute front office worker at Crestview High School, following a detailed investigation into allegations of lewd and lascivious behavior toward a minor. The arrest, confirmed Wednesday, stems from conduct that is alleged to have occurred off school grounds and involved manipulative behavior designed to facilitate a sexual encounter with a teenager.

Incident and Charges

Following an internal review prompted by a report made to school administrators in late February, deputies began an investigation into Figueroa’s conduct. The misconduct allegedly took place in September 2024 at his residence on Happy Trails Road, within the Crestview area. OCSO investigators determined that Figueroa used progressive manipulation tactics to coerce the victim, aged between 12 and 16, into a sexual act  .

Figueroa was subsequently charged with:

•Lewd & Lascivious Battery involving a minor

•Offenses Against Students by Authority   

He turned himself in to the county jail Wednesday evening and is now in custody, awaiting legal proceedings  .

Role at Crestview High School

At the time of the incident, Figueroa was serving as a substitute front office worker at Crestview High School. School district officials emphasized that he held no direct contact with students and was not in a traditional teaching role  . Immediately after the allegations surfaced, his substitute and volunteer privileges were revoked and authorities, including the Department of Children and Families, were promptly notified  .

Superintendent Marcus Chambers issued a statement reinforcing the district’s zero-tolerance policy toward any behavior that could threaten student safety, stressing the swift intervention to protect students  .

Sheriff’s Response

Sheriff Eric Aden underscored the seriousness of the charges and the betrayal of trust involved:

“The safety and well‑being of our youth is paramount, and we will hold anyone in a position of authority fully accountable for violating that trust.”  

He also praised the OCSO Criminal Investigations Division for their thorough work in building the case and ensuring a prompt arrest.

Community and Safety Measures

The Crestview community has responded with concern and calls for vigilance. Local parents are urging school districts and other institutions to reinforce screening protocols, including robust background checks and careful supervision of staff, contractors, and volunteers.

Child safety advocates highlight the importance of creating trusted adults networks among students so that minors feel empowered to report inappropriate behaviors.

Next Steps

The OCSO continues to work alongside the School District and the Department of Children and Families to ensure a full and proper investigation. Authorities are reviewing whether additional charges may be warranted pending further interviews and evidence analysis.

Figueroa is expected to appear in court soon on the existing charges. The OCSO encourages anyone with information regarding this case to contact:

•Okaloosa County Sheriff’s Office – Criminal Investigations Division

•Emerald Coast Crime Stoppers (850‑863‑TIPS) – for anonymous tips

Resources for Parents & Guardians

Families and guardians are urged to remain alert to signs of grooming or behavioral changes in children, and to:

•Initiate open conversations about personal boundaries

•Monitor children’s online and in-person interactions

•Report any concerns immediately to school officials or law enforcement

OCSO provides cyber safety training, and the Dept. of Children and Families offers resources on child protection for caregivers.