Who:
Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office
Investigative Operations Bureau
- Crimes Against Children Unit

Miami-Dade Schools Police

Terra Environmental Research Institute

Tom Miller Privett
DOB: 08/17/1949
Address: 3000 Burlingame Circle #3002 in Dunedin
Charges: One count of Sexual Battery (Custodial Authority)

The victim was between 12 and 18 years of age when the crime occurred. Per Florida Statute 119.071(2)(h)1 no further details will be released that would tend to identify the victim.

What:
Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit have arrested a retired teacher from Miami, who was currently living in Dunedin, for sexual battery on a minor.

When:
The incident occurred approximately four years ago.

The suspect was arrested at about 7:28 a.m., on Friday, January 31, 2020.

Where:
The crime occurred in Miami-Dade County at the Terra Environmental Research Institute, located at 11005 South West 84^th Street in Miami.

Why/How:
Detectives assigned to the Crimes Against Children Unit have arrested a retired teacher from Miami, who was currently living in Dunedin, for sexual battery on a minor.

On January 30, 2020, Pinellas detectives were contacted by Miami-Dade Schools Police in regards to a reported sexual battery on a child 12 years of age or older, but less than 18 by an adult while in custodial authority.

The sexual battery occurred in Miami approximately four years ago, in 2016. The suspect, 70-year-old Tom Miller Privett, was a high school teacher at the Terra Environmental Research Institute when he committed the offense on one of his students.

According to detectives, Privett had since retired from teaching in Miami after 30 years and has been living in Pinellas County for the past six months.

Miami-Dade Schools Police obtained an arrest warrant and requested the assistance of the Pinellas County Sheriff’s Office to help with the arrest of Privett.

Detectives say Privett was arrested at his residence at approximately 7:28 a.m. on Friday, January 31, 2020. An interview was attempted, but Privett immediately requested an attorney and was subsequently transported to the Pinellas County Jail without incident.

Privett will be transported to Miami-Dade County to face one count of sexual battery on a child 12 years of age or older, but less than 18. This charge is a felony, punishable by life in prison under F.S.S. 794.11(8)(b). Privett currently has no bond.

Miami-Dade Schools Police believe there may be other victims as a result of their investigation thus far.

The investigation continues.

Booking photo of Privett