Poinciana teacher accused of improper contact with girl
A Poinciana High School teacher and basketball coach whose colleagues recently voted him “Teacher of the Year” was arrested after sending a naked photo of himself to a student, Osceola County Sheriff ’s Office deputies said.
Wayne McKenzie Ricks, 26, was arrested Thursday, a day after he resigned from his post. A 17-year-old girl told investigators she became uncomfortable with Ricks, who she said kissed her and held her hand in his car when he drove her home from practice, according to an arrest affidavit.
Ricks gave her rides home for a few months starting last year. During that time, he gifted her with an iPhone 8, expensive sneakers and a necklace, she said. He also bought breakfast for the girl every morning before school, according to the affidavit.
Though they never had sex, the girl said, Ricks sent her a naked photo on the social media app, Snapchat. The student said she stopped answering his calls and accepting rides from him, according to the affidavit.
She did not want to tell on Ricks because “she did not want to jeopardize Mr. Ricks’ career and ruin her future,” the affidavit states. Ricks began working for the school district as a paraprofessional with the Exceptional Student Education program in 2013, Osceola County Schools spokeswoman Martha Mann said. He became a reading teacher in 2017. Ricks’ colleagues voted him Teacher of the Year last year.
He submitted a handwritten resignation letter Wednesday, the same day school officials questioned the girl. The letter did not offer an explanation for his resignation.
“To whom it may concern: I, Wayne Ricks II will be resigning from my position at Poinciana High School effective 1-24-18,” Ricks wrote.
The same day, the student called him with a deputy present. Ricks spoke to the student, not knowing a deputy was listening, according to the affidavit. Ricks instructed the girl to keep the kiss a secret.
Ricks is charged with battery and transmission of material harmful to minors. He was released from the Osceola County Jail in lieu of $1,500 bail.