Walton High School teacher arrested on felony charge at his Holmes County residence

A Walton High School teacher has been arrested on a felony charge following an investigation by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.

According to the Walton County Sheriff’s Office, the investigation began on March 3 after authorities received a report that an Exceptional Student Education (ESE) student at Walton High School disclosed inappropriate behavior involving a teacher. Around the same time, another staff member at the school reported witnessing a suspicious interaction between the same student and teacher on campus.

The Walton County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau immediately launched an investigation into the allegations.

The teacher, identified as Michael Lewis Jones, 72, was placed on administrative leave by the Walton County School District and removed from campus while the investigation was underway.

On the morning of March 6, investigators submitted an arrest warrant that was reviewed and signed by a judge. Later that afternoon, Jones was taken into custody at his home in Holmes County with assistance from the U.S. Marshals Task Force and the Holmes County Sheriff’s Office. He was transported to the Holmes County Jail and is expected to be extradited to Walton County.

Jones is charged with offenses against students by an authority figure, a second degree felony under Florida law.

Authorities say that due to the nature of Jones’ employment and the circumstances surrounding the allegations, investigators cannot rule out the possibility of additional victims. Anyone who believes they may have been harmed by Jones is encouraged to contact the Walton County Sheriff’s Office Criminal Investigations Bureau at 850 892 8111.

The investigation remains ongoing, and officials say additional charges may be forthcoming.