Former music teacher who taught at multiple Duval County schools accused of committing sex crimes against 2 students

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – The Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office said it recently arrested a former music teacher who taught at multiple Duval County schools after he was accused of committing several sex crimes against students.

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JSO said Gregg Gafford, 42, was arrested on a warrant for lewd and lascivious molestation on Friday after learning that he allegedly groped a child during an after-school club while working at St. Matthew’s Catholic School on Jacksonville’s Westside in 2023.

Police said they also discovered from an adult who was a student of Gafford’s in 2011 that he was molested by the teacher during his time at Normandy Village Elementary.

“Children are our most precious resource, and protecting them is our top priority. Anyone who violates their safety will face the full weight of the law,” JSO said.

In a statement sent to News4JAX, the Diocese of St. Augustine, which includes St. Matthew Catholic School, said the following:

We are aware that Gregg Gafford, a former teacher at St. Matthew Catholic School, was arrested on criminal charges on Friday, July 11. In July 2023, the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office notified the school that Mr. Gafford was under investigation and should not be permitted on school property. Although the nature of the investigation was not disclosed, the school took immediate and proactive steps to ensure student safety by placing him on administrative leave. He subsequently resigned. His last day on campus was July 13, 2023.

St. Matthew School and the Diocese of St. Augustine continue to cooperate fully with law enforcement and remain committed to maintaining a safe and supportive environment for every student.

Inquiries related to the investigation should be directed to the Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office at (904) 630-0500 or JSOCrimetips@jaxsheriff.org.

According to court documents, Gafford is set to appear in Duval County court on Aug. 4. He is being held in jail on a $1 million bond.

The agency added that its detectives are investigating further into Gafford’s history to determine if he has committed any other crimes against students, and asks anyone with information to contact them at 904.630.0500 or email JSOCrimeTips@jaxsheriff.org.