Gibbs High teacher arrested; took student on 'field trip'

ST. PETERSBURG -- A science teacher at Gibbs High School has been charged with interference of child custody after police say he took a 16-year-old girl on an apparent date to Lowry Park Zoo and suggested it was a "field trip."

St. Petersburg Police arrested Darren M. Snieszko, 25, this afternoon at his home and say there may be half a dozen victims and more charges to come.

The investigation began with an April 11 complaint to school administrators that Snieszko, of 11682 Eighth Way N, was involved in inappropriate relationships with students. On the same day, a different student and her mother contacted police to file a criminal complaint against the teacher.

The 16-year-old and her mother told authorities that Snieszko sent the girl romantic messages through MySpace.com, text messages and instant messaging.

They also said the teacher took the girl on a "field trip" to Lowry Park Zoo, though no other students or teachers went. The teacher provided personal transportation and paid the girl's admission with his Pinellas County Schools teacher discount card. Police said there may have been romantic touching, but the victim denies conduct that could lead to sexual charges.

The girl's parents thought the trip was a legitimate school function when it was apparently a date, said police spokesman Bill Proffitt.

Snieszko was placed on paid administrative leave April 14, but his pay will be suspended while he's in jail, said Pinellas County Schools spokeswoman Andrea Zahn. Snieszko was hired in July 2005 and has only worked at Gibbs High School in the district, Zahn said. She said he had no prior district-level misconduct complaints.

Investigators ask anyone with additional information about possible victims to call police at (727) 893-7780.

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