Key West teacher arrested for battery 

A 30-year-old Key West High School teacher was arrested Friday following the investigation into an incident that occurred earlier this month between he and a 19-year-old woman.

Michael Stephan Strasser was charged with battery.

The incident occurred on May 13 when the victim agreed to go to Strasser’s residence on Bay Point to smoke marijuana. The victim is not a student at Key West High School. The two met via a social media dating cell phone app.

The victim and Strasser smoked a marijuana cigarette or “blunt” when Strasser asked the victim why she was sitting so far away. Strasser moved closer to the victim. Strasser put his hand on the victim’s thigh and she responded, “No.” Strasser made several subsequent advances to which the victim responded in the negative each time.

Strasser then grabbed the victim by the jaw and pulled her toward him in an attempt to kiss her, against her will. The victim continued to pull away and eventually was able to break free of his grasp. Strasser grabbed her by the arm and wrist when the victim stated she wanted to leave. Strasser stated he didn’t want her to leave, but she again broke free of his grasp. Strasser took his shoes off and told the victim to get into bed. The victim left the apartment instead and drove away.

A family member of the victim learned of the incident thereafter. They notified school officials, who in turn notified law enforcement.

A warrant was subsequently issued for Strasser’s arrest.

The investigation remains ongoing.

Strasser was booked into jail Friday afternoon.

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