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Case Dropped Against Teacher Accused Of Having Sex With Student

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MIAMI (CBSMiami) -- Charges have been dropped against a South Florida teacher accused of having sexual relations with a student.

Christopher Scottlevin Best, 28, was a music teacher at Miami Palmetto Senior High School before he was arrested in March on 10 counts of unlawful sexual activity.

CLICK HERE To Watch Natalia Zea's Report 

On Wednesday, the state attorney dropped the case  after the 17-year old girl who initially told detectives she had sex with her teacher ten different times, including sexual contact in a school classroom, refused to testify.

She was labeled as being "non-cooperative" in the closeout memo.

"The state has no choice. We do not have sufficient evidence to file and we take no further action," the prosecutor told the judge at Best's arraignment hearing.

The memo also states the victim's parents "did not want to go forward with this case and they did not want charges to be filed."

According to the state's closeout memo on the case, prosecutors considered charging the girl with contempt of court for refusing to testify, but instead decided against it, writing "It is bad enough that her teacher sexually abused her, and that her parents wanted no justice for the crimes he committed against her."

Best's  defense attorney Kristi Kassbaum denied there was ever a sexual relationship between the two.

"I think it's unfortunate that he got accused of these very serious allegations," said Kassbaum.

During questioning, Best confessed to having a "private" relationship with the student. However, according to his arrest report, he denied having sexual relations with her.

Police said the victim befriended Best, her music teacher, and that they "grew feelings" for each other—becoming boyfriend and girlfriend.

Miami-Dade Police said the girl told a detective that she and Best had sex in motels, on a school trip and had sexual contact in the band room.

While the charges have been dropped against him, the arrest will show up on his record.

Best resigned during the investigation. His attorney said he was a finalist for Rookie Teacher of the Year and that he will seek to teach again.

The memo recommended  Best "never be allowed to work in the teaching profession again."

Click here to view the closeout memo. 

"He was accused of very serious charges where he faced a lot of prison time. His picture was placed all over the news and in the paper. It's very traumatic for him," said Kassbaum.

She added that Best is fighting to keep his teaching license, and plans to re-apply to Miami-Dade Schools.

A district spokesperson said despite the charges being thrown out, he will not be re-hired at any Miami-Dade school.

The district said Best was employed at Palmetto since 2012 and had not had any prior incidents.

 

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