A Florida school resource officer has lost his job after allegedly sending a graphic photo of skeletal remains to a teenage student he met at school.
Justine Lopez-Rodriguez, 32, worked as a deputy with the Pasco County Sheriff’s Office and was assigned to Pinecrest Academy Wesley Chapel as a school resource officer.
How It Started
According to court records, Lopez-Rodriguez added the 13-year-old girl on Snapchat sometime in late January or early February 2026. The two began exchanging messages regularly over several weeks, starting with casual topics like food, basketball, and working out.
The Disturbing Photo
On March 1, Lopez-Rodriguez allegedly sent the girl a photo showing what appeared to be skeletal remains lying in a wooded area near a river. The image showed a rib cage, clothing, and was taken outdoors during daylight hours.
Investigators later connected the photo to an active skeletal remains investigation — one where Lopez-Rodriguez had served as the primary deputy on the scene.
Arrest and Firing
Lopez-Rodriguez was arrested on March 13 and charged with felony evidence tampering. Investigators found three photos of the remains on his phone. He allegedly deleted the Snapchat app during the investigation, which led to the tampering charge.
He was immediately fired from his position following his arrest.
Case Dropped
Court records show the felony case was dropped Thursday, though no reason was listed. Lopez-Rodriguez had been out on bail. He will face no further punishment.
The incident has raised serious concerns about law enforcement conduct and student safety at schools across Florida.
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