The First Academy, First Baptist Church of Orlando sued after teacher accused of abusing student

A lawsuit filed Friday, Nov. 3, accuses the First Baptist Church of Orlando of failing to protect a student at the church’s private school, The First Academy.

According to the suit, between 2014 and 2016, the female student was sexually abused and groomed by a teacher, Harriet Sugg. The lawsuit alleges leaders at the church and school knew about the relationship but did not take steps to stop it. The student was 15 years old when the abuse began, the lawsuit states.

Sugg, 54, on Oct. 11 was charged with five counts of sexual activity with a minor. She was released from the Orange County Jail on a $25,000 bond.

According to the suit, filed by attorney Andrea Lewis, Sugg met the victim in 2014 at TFA. Sugg served as a mentor to the student and eventually began spending time with the student outside of school. Sugg bought the student tobacco products and alcoholic beverages. The relationship turned sexual in 2016; the student was 17 years old at that time.

The suit states school staff, students and Sugg’s husband reported the relationship to TFA administrators. Sugg was fired in May 2016; however, school officials did not report the relationship to law enforcement or the victim’s parents, the lawsuit states.

Sugg and the student continued a relationship until the student was 19. The victim reported Sugg to the police in 2022 and again last month.

First Baptist Orlando Senior Pastor Dr. David Uth and TFA Head of School Dr. Steve Whitaker published an official statement on the school’s website.

“We are deeply saddened to address the allegations of sexual abuse that occurred approximately seven years ago involving a former female high school teacher and a female high school student at The First Academy,” they wrote. “We take these allegations with the utmost seriousness and want to assure our community that we are committed to the safety, well-being and spiritual development of our students.

“Our top priority has been and will continue to be a nurturing and Christ-centered environment where students can grow academically, emotionally, and spiritually,” they wrote. “We understand that trust in our institution has been shaken by these allegations, and we want to acknowledge the pain and concern this has caused in our community.

“Given that this is an ongoing investigation, we are limited in what information we can share right now, but we will provide additional information as soon as we can,” they wrote. “While we must protect the privacy of all involved, we will strive to provide updates to the community as the situation develops and as it is legally permissible.

“We ask for your prayers, understanding, and support during this difficult time,” they wrote. “First Baptist Orlando and The First Academy do not tolerate any form of sexual abuse or sexual harassment. Nothing is more important than protecting the safety and well-being of our students.”