LEE COUNTY, Fla. — A Lee County School District employee has been arrested for engaging in sexual contact with a student, casting a shadow over the community.
Watch senior reporter Emily Young’s full report here:
Cape Coral HS Employee arrest
The individual, Genesis Zayas, served as Instructional Support at Island Coast High School. Her role, meant to guide and nurture students, now raises unsettling questions.
In response to this distressing situation, the district reached out to families, conveying the seriousness of the matter:
Good morning, Island Coast families.
You are receiving this important message in compliance with Florida Statute 1012.797, Parental Notification of Arrests of Employees. I must inform you that Ms. Genesis Zayas, Instructional Support, Island Coast High School was arrested on 02/04/2025 for the following:
- Two Counts of: Sex Offense (Authority Figure Solicit Eng Lewd Conduct with Student)
Please know that The School District of Lee County and law enforcement will handle this matter appropriately.
Thank you.
Island Coast High School
The Cape Coral Police Department confirmed the troubling arrest of Zayas on February 4. Documents indicate she was charged with two counts of sexual conduct involving a student. Currently, she remains out on bond.
This incident serves as a painful reminder of the vulnerabilities present in school environments. Students look up to educators as trusted figures who shape their formative years. When trust is shattered, the ripple effect can be devastating. Parents in the Island Coast community may wrestle with feelings of betrayal and fear, questioning how such a breach could occur within their children’s sanctuary.
Lee County, a region typically known for its beautiful sunsets and budding local businesses, now grapples with this unsettling chapter. The local sushi spot, Shogun Sushi, and the charming coffee shop, Cape Coral Coffee, usually buzzing with life and laughter, now sense an undercurrent of unease as residents process this unfolding story.
The trauma sustained from such violations leaves lasting scars. It is crucial for communities to come together, supporting those affected and fostering open conversations about safety and respect in educational settings. After all, young minds deserve a nurturing and secure atmosphere to thrive. Only through collective vigilance can trust be rebuilt and the core values of education be reinforced.
In a world where information travels fast, this incident reminds everyone of the importance of community awareness and proactive engagement. As people reflect on this event, they may find solace in leaning on each other for support, fostering an environment of understanding and healing.
