Palm Bay Substitute Teacher Arrested Sending Nude Photo to Student

Ajani McPherson, a 27-year-old substitute teacher at Palm Bay Magnet High School in Florida, was arrested after sending a nude photo of himself to a female student via Instagram's vanish mode, which deletes messages after they are viewed. The student reported the incident to a school resource officer, having recorded the image before it was deleted. McPherson admitted to knowing the student's age and sending the inappropriate photo, leading to felony charges including transmission of harmful material to a minor. Brevard Public Schools terminated McPherson's employment immediately following the arrest, emphasizing the breach of trust and their cooperation with law enforcement. McPherson was taken into custody on school grounds, with bond set at $52,500, and a court date has been scheduled. The case highlights concerns about the misuse of disappearing message features like Instagram's vanish mode in inappropriate communications with minors.