Palm Beach County Teacher Elias Gordon Farley Arrested for Sexual Relationship With 17-Year-Old Student

A Palm Beach County science teacher has been arrested after investigators say he used a shared Google Doc to secretly communicate with a 17-year-old student before engaging in sexual acts with her both at school and in his apartment, according to an arrest affidavit.

Elias Gordon Farley, 26, a former teacher at Donna Klein Jewish Academy in Boca Raton, was taken into custody after the teen reported the alleged abuse on November 18.

According to investigators, the student told detectives that her interactions with Farley began as casual conversations during the previous school year. Over the summer, Farley allegedly created a shared Google Doc where he and the teen exchanged messages. Authorities say the file later included explicit descriptions of sexual activity along with plans for private meetings.

The student reported that the relationship became physical in mid-September inside Farley’s office, where he allegedly touched her under her clothing. She told detectives the encounters continued over the following weeks in his office and inside a classroom.

By late September and into October, the teen said the pair were engaging in sexual acts, including oral sex and, at times, intercourse on school grounds. She also stated that she visited Farley’s apartment twice in early November after identifying details he had previously mentioned about its layout and location. Deputies say she reported multiple sexual encounters during both visits.

Detectives executed a search warrant at Farley’s apartment, where they found bedding, condom wrappers, and furniture matching the teen’s description. Farley’s roommate told investigators that he was not home on the dates the girl claimed to have visited.

Farley refused to speak with investigators after being read his Miranda rights, according to the arrest affidavit.

He was booked into the Palm Beach County Main Detention Center on December 4 and is being held on a $500,000 bond. Farley faces charges including unlawful sexual activity with a minor and an offense against a student by an authority figure.

Donna Klein Jewish Academy confirmed that Farley is no longer employed and stated that it is cooperating fully with law enforcement. In a statement, the school called the situation “a difficult time for all of us at Donna Klein” and emphasized its focus on student and faculty well-being.

The academy said it is working closely with families, teachers, and staff to ensure they receive any needed support. Administrators added that no further details would be released in order to protect community privacy.

The school reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining a safe and compassionate educational environment as the investigation continues.

Detectives are urging anyone with additional information to contact the Palm Beach County Sheriff’s Office at 561-688-3000.