Former Palm Beach Teacher Sentenced for Sexual Relationship with Student

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Former Palm Beach Teacher Sentenced for Sexual Relationship with Student

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Christopher Withers, a 33-year-old former math teacher at Watson B. Duncan Middle School in Palm Beach Gardens, was sentenced to a decade in prison on September 15, 2026. This sentencing follows his guilty plea to charges stemming from a sexual relationship he had with a female student. The relationship reportedly spanned nearly two years, beginning when Withers initially took on a mentorship role after the student’s father passed away when she was in eighth grade.

Police reports indicate that the majority of the sexual contact occurred when the victim was 14 and 15 years old. Withers himself admitted to police that he had sex with the victim approximately 10 to 15 times. He was arrested on March 31, 2025, and faced 17 counts of lewd and lascivious behavior on a victim aged 12-16.

During a recorded call, Withers reportedly told the victim that he had “ruined what he called a ‘beautiful relationship.'” In February 2026, a civil lawsuit was filed against Withers and the School District of Palm Beach County by the former student, alleging grooming, sexual abuse, and negligence. The lawsuit claims that the alleged conduct was known to students, staff, and administrators but was “ignored and tolerated.” The civil case is proceeding separately from the criminal prosecution.

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