In a shocking breach of professional and moral boundaries, 53-year-old Dr. Keiva Lark, the assistant principal of Lake Marion Creek Middle School in Poinciana, Florida, has been arrested and charged with two felony counts—Lewd/Lascivious Conduct (F2) and Lewd Offense Against a Student by an Authority Figure (F2). The allegations stem from an incident in which Lark allegedly instructed a 13-year-old male student to massage her feet in her office before escalating to inappropriate touching and sexualized remarks.
The Polk County Sheriff’s Office (PCSO) launched an investigation on April 4, 2025, after the school’s principal reported the concerning behavior. The Florida Department of Children and Families (DCF) and the Polk County School Board were immediately notified, and Lark was placed on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. What began as a routine disciplinary visit—the boy had been sent to Lark’s office for throwing paper balls during a test—turned into what authorities describe as a predatory abuse of power.
This case has ignited outrage among parents, educators, and child protection advocates, raising urgent questions about school accountability, grooming behaviors, and the mechanisms in place to protect students from authority figures who exploit their positions.
The Incident: A Detailed Breakdown of the Allegations
The Disciplinary Meeting That Crossed the Line
According to law enforcement reports, the victim, a 13-year-old male student, was sent to Dr. Lark’s office after disrupting class by throwing paper balls during a test. Instead of issuing a standard reprimand or detention, Lark allegedly told the boy to rub her feet, claiming that since he “didn’t have anything better to do with his hands,” he might as well perform the inappropriate act.
Witnesses—including at least two school staff members—reported seeing Lark remove her shoes and place her legs across the boy’s lap while he complied with her demand. The situation escalated when Lark scolded the student for not massaging her correctly and proceeded to demonstrate on his arm and shoulder, allegedly telling him to “rub her feet like he loved her.”
Sexualized Remarks and Grooming Behavior
One of the most disturbing aspects of the case is the sexual nature of Lark’s alleged comments. A witness testified that Lark told the boy:
“I’m doing this so you’ll know what foreplay is for when you get a girlfriend.”
Additionally, during a forensic interview, the victim revealed that Lark had previously referred to him as “Sexy Chocolate” while passing him in the hallway—a clear indicator of prior grooming behavior.
Lark’s Admission: “I Crossed the Line”
In a damning piece of evidence, a co-worker told investigators that Lark later admitted she had “crossed the line” during the encounter. Despite this, when initially questioned by detectives, Lark downplayed the incident as a joke, claiming she was merely trying to “humble” the student. She denied making any sexual remarks but ultimately conceded that her actions were “inappropriate for her profession.”
Law Enforcement and School District Response
Sheriff Grady Judd’s Strong Condemnation
Polk County Sheriff Grady Judd, known for his no-nonsense approach to child exploitation cases, did not mince words when addressing the media:
“It’s completely inappropriate for a 53-year-old woman to act and talk like this to a middle school boy. It’s even worse given that this was an assistant principal and her student.”
Judd emphasized that Lark’s position of authority made the offense even more egregious, as she was entrusted with protecting students, not exploiting them.
Polk County Public Schools’ Swift Action
Superintendent Heid of Polk County Public Schools issued a statement commending the principal for immediately reporting the incident and ensuring law enforcement intervention:
“This is abhorrent behavior for anyone who works among students, especially an administrator. This person no longer has any business being around children.”
The district has placed Lark on administrative leave, and her future employment status will likely be determined by the outcome of the criminal case.
Legal Ramifications: What Charges Does Dr. Lark Face?
Dr. Keiva Lark has been charged with two second-degree felonies:
- Lewd/Lascivious Conduct (F2) – Under Florida Statute § 800.04, this applies to intentional inappropriate touching or behavior with a minor.
- Lewd Offense Against a Student by an Authority Figure (F2) – A more severe charge under § 800.101, which specifically criminalizes sexual misconduct by educators, coaches, or school staff.
If convicted, Lark could face:
- Up to 15 years in prison per charge
- Mandatory sex offender registration
- Permanent revocation of her teaching credentials
Legal experts suggest that prosecutors may seek a plea deal, but given the egregious nature of the allegations, they could push for maximum penalties.
Broader Implications: How Common Are Educator Misconduct Cases?
National Statistics on School-Based Sexual Misconduct
- According to the U.S. Department of Education, approximately 7% of students report experiencing sexual misconduct by a school employee at some point during their K-12 education.
- A 2023 study by the Associated Press found that hundreds of educators are arrested each year for sexual offenses involving students, with female perpetrators accounting for about 14% of cases.
- Florida has seen multiple high-profile cases in recent years, including a 2022 incident where a Broward County teacher was sentenced to 20 years for similar misconduct.
Why Do These Cases Often Go Unreported?
- Power Dynamics: Students may fear retaliation or disbelief.
- Grooming Tactics: Perpetrators often manipulate victims into thinking the behavior is “normal.”
- Institutional Hesitation: Some schools delay reporting to avoid scandal.
Psychological Analysis: Understanding Lark’s Behavior
Forensic psychologists suggest that Lark’s actions may fit the profile of “female sexual predator” behavior, which often includes:
- Testing Boundaries: Starting with seemingly harmless touches before escalating.
- Using Authority: Leveraging their position to coerce compliance.
- Minimizing Actions: Claiming it was “just a joke” or “mentorship.”
Dr. David Lisak, a leading expert on sexual violence, notes:
“Female offenders often exploit emotional bonds, making victims less likely to report out of confusion or misplaced loyalty.”
What Happens Next?
- Criminal Proceedings: Lark’s case will move through Florida’s court system, with pre-trial hearings expected soon.
- School District Review: Polk County Public Schools will conduct an internal investigation, possibly leading to termination.
- Civil Lawsuit Potential: The victim’s family may pursue damages for emotional distress.
Conclusion: A Wake-Up Call for School Safety
The arrest of Dr. Keiva Lark serves as a stark reminder that predators can exist in any position of trust. While the legal process unfolds, educators, parents, and policymakers must reevaluate safeguards to prevent such abuses.
Key Takeaways:
✔ Immediate reporting (as done by the principal) is crucial.
✔ Students must be educated on inappropriate conduct.
✔ Districts need stricter vetting and monitoring of staff.
As this case develops, one thing is clear: no child should ever endure such violations from those sworn to protect them.
Leave a Reply