Tampa Teacher Arrested for Kissing 17-Year-Old Student

Leto High School teacher Gregory Sinadinos II charged with battery, soliciting lewd conduct, and distributing obscene material to a minor

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

Got story updates? Submit your updates here. ›

A 33-year-old teacher at Leto High School in Tampa, Florida was arrested after allegedly kissing a 17-year-old student, displaying an obscene photo of himself, and asking the student to do the same. Gregory Sinadinos II has been charged with battery, authority figure soliciting lewd conduct with a student, and selling or distributing obscene material to a minor.

Why it matters

This case highlights the serious breach of trust when a teacher engages in inappropriate conduct with a student, violating the duty of care and responsibility that comes with being an authority figure in a school setting. It raises concerns about student safety and the need for robust policies and training to prevent such incidents.

The details

According to the Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office, a school resource officer was notified on Tuesday about an incident involving Sinadinos and the 17-year-old student. Detectives learned that Sinadinos kissed the student that same day and also displayed an obscene photo of himself, asking the student to do the same. Sinadinos had been working at Leto High School for two years.

  • On Tuesday, the school resource officer was notified about the incident involving Sinadinos and the student.

The players

Gregory Sinadinos II

A 33-year-old teacher at Leto High School in Tampa, Florida who was arrested for inappropriate conduct with a 17-year-old student.

Hillsborough County Sheriff's Office

The law enforcement agency that investigated the incident and arrested Sinadinos.

Got photos? Submit your photos here. ›

What they’re saying

“Parents trust that when they send their children to school, they are entering a safe environment focused on learning and growth. There is absolutely no excuse for an adult in a position of authority to engage in inappropriate conduct with a student. This arrest sends a clear message: anyone who exploits or attempts to exploit a child will be held accountable.”

— Sheriff Chad Chronister, Hillsborough County Sheriff (Patch)

What’s next

Sinadinos is currently in custody and will face a judge to determine if he will be allowed out on bail.

The takeaway

This incident underscores the critical need for schools to have robust policies, training, and oversight to prevent teachers from engaging in any form of inappropriate conduct with students. It's a stark reminder that the trust placed in educators must never be violated.