Marion County, Florida — On Wednesday, May 7, 2025, Dianely Torres, a 24-year-old long-term substitute teacher, was arrested on multiple charges related to child sexual abuse material (CSAM). Torres faces nine counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material and five counts of Transmission of Material Harmful to Minors. The arrest follows an investigation by the Marion County Sheriff’s Office (MCSO) Major Crimes Unit and comes after disturbing reports of inappropriate interactions between Torres and a juvenile victim.

The Incident: A Witness Comes Forward

The investigation into Torres began in February 2025 when a School Resource Officer (SRO) received a complaint from a witness who observed Torres engaging in suspicious behavior with a juvenile student. The witness reported that they saw Torres massaging the student’s head while the victim’s head was resting in her lap, which raised immediate concerns. This interaction, though not inherently criminal, prompted further scrutiny into Torres’ conduct with the student.

As the SRO looked into the complaint, it was discovered that Torres had previously been disciplined for inappropriate communication with students through the online messaging platform Discord. This history of improper conduct led to the involvement of MCSO Major Crimes Detective Jordyn Batts, who began a more thorough investigation.

The Investigation: Searching Digital Evidence

Detective Batts obtained a search warrant for Discord and the juvenile victim’s phone. In the course of the investigation, disturbing evidence was uncovered. Investigators found nude photos of Torres, which had been sent to the juvenile victim. Additionally, sexually explicit drawings by Torres were discovered. Detective Batts also reviewed Torres’ phone, where they found nine sexually explicit photos of the juvenile victim that Torres had allegedly saved on her device.

When questioned by Detective Batts, Torres admitted to being in a “dating” relationship with the juvenile victim, further compounding the severity of the situation. She confessed that both she and the victim had sent nude photos to each other, which constitutes the transmission of harmful material to a minor. Torres also consented to the search of her phone, where the explicit photos of the victim were located, confirming the allegations of child sexual abuse material (CSAM).

The Charges: Serious Implications and Arrest

Following the discovery of this evidence, Torres was arrested and transported to the Marion County Jail. She was charged with nine counts of Possession of Child Sexual Abuse Material and five counts of Transmission of Material Harmful to Minors. These charges are severe and carry significant legal consequences, as they involve the exploitation of a minor and the possession of explicit content that is illegal to produce, distribute, or possess.

Given Torres’ position as a long-term substitute teacher, the implications of her actions are even more concerning. Her role in an educational setting compounded the breach of trust and her abuse of authority as an adult in a position of power over vulnerable students.

Previous Disciplinary Action: A Pattern of Inappropriate Behavior

Torres’ arrest is not her first interaction with disciplinary action. Prior to this incident, she had already been disciplined for using Discord, a communication platform popular among young people, to message students. This prior violation of professional boundaries raised red flags about her behavior, prompting school officials and law enforcement to take further action once the initial complaints surfaced.

The use of platforms like Discord by teachers to communicate with students, particularly in private settings, has become a controversial issue in recent years. Teachers are often warned about the risks of inappropriate communication with students via digital means, and incidents like this one underscore the need for strict policies regarding adult-to-student interactions outside of the classroom. The investigation has highlighted not only Torres’ personal violations but also the potential dangers of inadequate safeguards and monitoring in the digital space.

Detective Batts’ Findings and Concerns About Additional Victims

Detective Batts, who has been leading the investigation, has expressed concern that there may be additional victims who have not yet come forward. Given Torres’ previous disciplinary issues involving inappropriate digital communication with students and the nature of her relationship with the juvenile victim in this case, detectives believe there could be others who have been similarly affected.

The possibility of additional victims has prompted a public call for anyone with information or suspicions about Torres’ conduct to come forward. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is urging anyone who may have been victimized by Torres to contact Detective Batts directly at (352) 368-3847. Additionally, the department has encouraged the public to report any information anonymously if they feel uncomfortable coming forward directly.

The Broader Issue: Addressing Child Sexual Abuse Material and Teacher Misconduct

The case of Dianely Torres serves as a stark reminder of the broader issue of teacher misconduct and child sexual abuse material (CSAM) in educational settings. While the vast majority of teachers are dedicated professionals, cases like Torres’ underscore the need for vigilance in safeguarding students from potential predators, especially in today’s increasingly digital world.

The rise of digital platforms, such as social media, messaging apps, and online communication tools like Discord, has made it easier for inappropriate relationships to develop between adults and minors. Teachers and other educators must be held to strict ethical standards and monitored for inappropriate behavior, particularly when it comes to private communication with students.

Organizations such as the National Center for Missing & Exploited Children (NCMEC) and other advocacy groups have been working to raise awareness about the dangers of online grooming and the risks posed by adults who misuse their position to exploit children. This case brings to light the importance of comprehensive background checks, digital monitoring, and ongoing professional training to prevent incidents of this nature from occurring.

The Legal Consequences: What’s at Stake for Dianely Torres

If convicted, Dianely Torres faces significant legal consequences, including lengthy prison sentences for both possession of CSAM and the transmission of harmful material to minors. These offenses are classified as serious felonies, and a conviction could result in a lengthy prison term. In addition to criminal penalties, Torres could also face civil lawsuits from the victim’s family, further compounding her legal troubles.

The legal process in cases involving child sexual abuse material is often complex, with significant attention paid to the evidence, including digital data, photographs, and testimony from both victims and experts. Given the nature of the charges, Torres’ case is likely to involve detailed forensic analysis, including further examination of her digital devices and communication history.

The Role of the Community: Protecting Children and Reporting Misconduct

The investigation into Dianely Torres highlights the importance of community involvement in protecting children and preventing abuse. In this case, a School Resource Officer (SRO) first became aware of Torres’ inappropriate behavior after receiving a complaint from a witness, which led to the investigation. This case serves as a reminder that reporting suspicious behavior and creating a culture of accountability within schools is crucial for protecting young people from harm.

Parents, educators, and students are encouraged to speak out if they suspect any form of abuse, exploitation, or misconduct. Educational institutions and local communities must work together to ensure that students are safe and that any adults in positions of trust are held to the highest standards of conduct.

Conclusion: The Ongoing Investigation and Public Safety

As the investigation into Dianely Torres continues, the focus remains on uncovering the full extent of her actions and ensuring that justice is served for the victim. The Marion County Sheriff’s Office is committed to pursuing the case thoroughly and responsibly, and detectives are asking the public to continue providing any information that could assist in the investigation.

For the victim, this case represents not only a betrayal of trust but a devastating violation of their safety and well-being. As law enforcement works to bring Torres to justice, the hope is that this case will serve as a powerful reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and the consequences of misconduct within educational settings.

If you or someone you know may have been impacted by similar actions or knows further information regarding the case, please do not hesitate to contact Detective Batts at the Marion County Sheriff’s Office.