A substitute teacher has been arrested by the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office for sharing and showing several sexual images to students while working at Jennings Middle School.
On December 9, 2024, while inside the classroom, Chase Rush, 22, told his 7th-grade students to "turn on" their AirDrop, a feature on Apple devices that lets people wirelessly send files to others nearby.
Detectives learned that's when Rush sent four students with iPhones content that included nudity and beastiality. They also discovered seven other students where gathered around Rush when he showed them the same explicit material.
During an interview with HCSO detectives, Rush admitted to showing the same content to his 12-year-old relative.
On June 10, 2025, Rush was arrested and charged with the following:
- Film, Distribute, or Possess Image or Video of Sexual Activity with an Animal (x9)
- Sell or Distribute Obscene Material to a Minor (x8)
- Transmission of Harmful Material to Minor (x4)
- Unlawful Use of Two-Way Communications Device
“It’s revolting to think that someone trusted to educate and guide our children could act in such a predatory and disgraceful manner,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister. “This man used his role as a teacher to prey on kids. He had every opportunity to be a positive influence; instead, he chose to become a predator.”
Rush was employed by Kelly Education and is not an employee of Hillsborough County Public Schools.
This is an active investigation. Any updates will come from the Public Affairs Office.