Mariner High teacher, coach resigns amid sex allegations

CAPE CORAL, Fla. A Mariner High School teacher accused of carrying on a sexual relationship with an underage student has resigned, Lee County school district spokeswoman Melissa Mickey said.

James Harris, 40, also left his position as head boys basketball coach when he turned in his resignation March 29. He faces two sexual assault charges stemming from a relationship that began over the summer, according to the Lee County Sheriff’s Office.

Harris and the student had sex on the desk and floor of his classroom, and he would also take her to his home on Northwest Seventh Place, the sheriff’s office said. He’s free on $100,000 bond.

The school district placed Harris on administrative leave after his Feb. 9 arrest, which came just as the team began its playoff run. Interim coach Keeth Jones led the team to the Class 6A state championship game, where it fell to Leesburg, 57-53.