Key Takeaways
- Brett Caskey, a teacher and coach at Plato Academy Pinellas Park in Florida, has been arrested following allegations of inappropriate conduct involving a minor.
- Investigators allege he used his position to build trust with students.
- Civil investigations may examine whether institutional safeguards, supervision policies, and reporting procedures were properly implemented and enforced at the charter school.
Authorities in Pinellas Park, Florida, arrested Brett Caskey, 41, a teacher and coach at Plato Academy Pinellas Park in Florida, on February 3, 2026, following an investigation into alleged inappropriate conduct. Detectives began investigating in December 2025 after receiving reports involving students.
School officials said that Caskey was placed on leave after administrators received a tip raising concerns about potential misconduct. He is no longer employed by the school.
Allegations Described by Investigators
Archived school records show that Caskey was a middle school Science and Social Studies teacher. News reports have not specified which sport he coached.
According to WSTP, “Detectives say Caskey used his position as a coach at Plato Academy to gain the trust of female students, buying them clothing and food in some cases. According to an affidavit, several instances of inappropriate conduct took place on school grounds.”
Caskey is alleged to have kissed the victim while she was in his classroom, rubbed the outside of her thighs over her clothing while she was applying makeup to him, and communicated with her through snapchat. Investigators further allege that he also sent her photos of his genitals between May and August 2025.
Other students told detectives that Caskey referred to the victim as “mommy” or “princess.”
Caskey is now facing a charge of lewd or lascivious conduct.
Authorities are asking anyone with information regarding Caskey to contact the Pinellas Park Police Department.
Caskey’s Status With the Florida Department of Education
The Florida Department of Education’s records indicate that Brett Caskey holds an active Florida Non-Renewable Temporary teaching certificate, which is set to expire June 30, 2027. The certificate authorized him to teach in the subject areas of Social Science and Marketing.
As of the time of this writing, public records do not reflect any disciplinary actions against him.
Plato Academy’s Response
Plato Academy officials stated that the school took action after receiving a Fortify Florida tip reporting possible misconduct involving Brett Caskey. According to the school, administrators placed the teacher on leave as soon as the report came in and notified Florida DCF to ensure the allegations were reviewed by relevant authorities.
Read the school’s full statement here.
Understanding the Grooming Process
Sexual abuse does not always begin with overt sexual behavior. Instead, it may involve a gradual grooming process, in which an adult in a position of authority works to build trust, create emotional dependence, and slowly shift personal boundaries.
Grooming behaviors often include providing gifts, offering special privileges or extra attention, initiating private communications outside approved channels, or encouraging secrecy about interactions. By presenting themselves as mentors or trusted confidants, abusers may gradually normalize increasingly inappropriate behavior while isolating students from adults who might otherwise recognize warning signs.
Civil Liability and Institutional Responsibility
While the criminal case focuses on the allegations against Brett Caskey, a civil case can examine whether Plato Academy Pinellas Park fulfilled its legal responsibility to protect students from foreseeable harm. Schools have a legal obligation to create, implement, and enforce policies designed to prevent abuse by teachers, coaches, and other staff members.
Educational institutions often emphasize their commitment to student safety, but civil investigations evaluate whether those protections were actually implemented. When a teacher is accused of abusing a student, civil inquiries may examine whether the school missed warning signs, failed to enforce proper supervision, or allowed circumstances that created opportunities for abuse to occur.
Ultimately, civil cases serve to hold institutions accountable when they fail to protect the children entrusted to their care.
A Path Forward for Survivors
If you or someone you love was harmed by Brett Caskey or another educator or coach, you do not have to navigate this process alone. Understanding your legal options can be an important step toward healing and justice.
A civil case can provide the opportunity to seek accountability from negligent institutions and obtain financial support for counseling and recovery needsG
Andreozzi + Foote represents survivors of sexual abuse in Florida and nationwide and offers free, confidential consultations to help individuals understand their legal rights and options.
Speaking with an attorney does not require you to move forward with a case, but it can provide clarity, support, and information to help you make the decision that feels right for you.
Contact us today.
Image sources: Plato Academy Pinellas Park, © Google. Brett Caskey, via archived page of Plato Academy. Brett Caskey mugshot, via WFLA, courtesy of Pinellas Park Police Department.
