Ex-Westside High coach loses teaching license over sexual misconduct, state says

Former coach accused of inappropriate conduct with female 12th grade student

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A former Westside High School girls basketball coach and teaching assistant had his teaching license revoked earlier this month after an investigation into allegations that he inappropriately touched a 12th grade student, according to state records.

Luther Funches, 35, was accused of sexually touching a female student and kissing her 10 to 11 times during the 2017-2018 school year, the state said.

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According to a Duval County Public Schools disciplinary report Funches was alone with an 18-year-old student and was spotted having inappropriate contact with her. The girl told school officials that the two had a "relationship developing" and that was the only time it got physical.

Funches was fired two weeks later, district officials said.

The Education Practices Commission in Tallahassee ordered his license to be revoked after reviewing the misconduct accusations in December. Funches did not appear at the commission meeting to defend himself.

Funches was also permanently barred from applying for a Florida educator's certificate.