Former Lee County teacher's assistant accused of molesting student held on $350K bond

FORT MYERS, Fla. — A Lee County paraprofessional (now former) appeared before a judge Friday morning with battery and molestation charges stemming from a reported sexual relationship with a student.

Fort Myers Police and U.S. Marshals swarmed outside of the Enclave apartment complex off Central Avenue on the morning of March 7.

There, they arrested Lauren Angelica King, 32, a teacher's assistant at Royal Palm Exceptional Center, following allegations of an inappropriate relationship with a student.

"I will tell you that she made an offer prior to her arrest through our office to fully cooperate wih law enforcement, to turn herself in," King's attorney, Desiree Wilson, said. "Obviously, they didn't go that course, but she has been willing to fully cooperate with law enforcement."

According to the Fort Myers Police Department, over 4,000 text messages were exchanged between King and the victim, including nude photographs.

"There is some allegation the state has made regarding text messages, and we do have contacts with expert witnesses that can look into the propriety of the way law enforcement conducted that investigation as to the cyber side of things," Wilson said.

PREVIOUS COVERAGE: Lee County school employee accused of having sexual relationship with student

King faces charges of lewd or lascivious battery and lewd or lascivious molestation. However, her attorney said she is presumed innocent, and further developments may unfold as the investigation continues.

"The facts that are in the probable cause statement are the minimum facts that the state has laid out in support of the charges. It isn't the full picture," Wilson said.

During court proceedings, the judge said there are indications within the probable cause affidavit suggesting the possibility of additional victims.

The Lee County School District said King has since been removed from her position at Royal Palm Exceptional Center and is "no longer an employee of the School District of Lee County."

The judge set a hefty $350,000 bond and ordered that she have no contact with minors under the age of 18. She must also wear a GPS monitor and remain confined to her home except for essential case-related matters or medical visits.

King's next court appearance is scheduled for April 8 at the Lee County Courthouse.

Lauren King, 32 — Lee County Sheriff’s Office