- May 5, 2024
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Just before he was arrested, teacher and coach James Wolfe told a former student that he didn’t mean to hurt her, according to a charging affidavit.
Wolfe, who teaches English and coaches track at Matanzas High School, is accused of having sex with a student between 2010 and 2011. The student was 16 years old at the time. Wolfe was 28.
The student reported Wolfe on Aug. 14. Two days later, an investigator spoke with Wolfe, who denied the allegations against him and requested to speak with an attorney.
Later that day, investigators arranged a controlled call — one that is recorded and monitored by law enforcement — between Wolfe and the victim, who arranged to “meet to describe their relationship,” a charging affidavit reads.
Investigators monitored the meeting, during which Wolfe told the student, “I didn’t meant to hurt you,” and “I know it messed you up,” according to the affidavit.
Then, the student asked Wolfe why he had sex with her when she was 16. Wolfe replied, “Because I thought I cared about you,” according to the affidavit.
He was arrested immediately following the meeting and charged with seven counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor, all second-degree felonies.
Wolfe's bond was set at $140,000, which he posted days after his arrest. He has been placed on paid administrative leave as the case moves through court.
Meanwhile, Wolfe’s arrest came just two days before the new school year began, causing the staff at Matanzas High School to make some quick adjustments.
The seven English classes that Wolfe would have taught have been taken over by Mary Beale, a former teacher in the district who retired a couple of years ago, said Dr. Chris Pryor, the school’s principal.
Beale, as a temporary, full-time teacher, will make more than a substitute teacher but less than a permanent teacher does, Pryor said.
John White, the school’s head wrestling coach, will now coach cross country as well. Pryor said White has experience coaching cross country. He will receive the supplement Wolfe would have been paid for taking over the coaching duties.
No hearing dates have yet been set in Wolfe’s case.
