After pleading guilty to sexual abuse of a child, a former high school physical education teacher in Volusia County was given 21 years in jail on Friday.

The judge told the prosecutor to label Arin Hankerd, 44, of Ormond Beach, as a sexual predator and gave him a sentence of 21 years in jail followed by 30 years of probation. Hankerd used to work at both Atlantic High School and Mainland High School. Two students, a 15-year-old and a 17-year-old, accused Hankerd of having an inappropriate relationship with them.

Friday, both of the victims went to court. One person went to the punishment in person, and the other used Zoom to give a victim impact statement.

“He does everything he can to make you feel important, seen, and heard. “He’s a master at tricking people,” the victim said. “I felt ashamed and didn’t want anyone to know what happened in fear of being blamed, judged, or honestly just ignored, so I stayed silent.”

She said the abuse had changed her in ways that would last.

“Being so young and experiencing something like this sticks with you whether you want it to or not.”

Hankerd told the judge something in court. He told his family, the people he hurt, and their families that he was sorry. He informed the judge that his kids had to change their last names to separate themselves from him.

“He says whatever he can to make you feel special and seen and heard. He’s a master manipulator,” the victim said. “I felt ashamed and didn’t want anyone to know what happened in fear of being blamed, judged, or honestly just ignored, so I stayed silent.”

The people defending Hankerd asked the judge to shorten his term, saying that Hankerd was bipolar. The judge told him that his mental illness may have made things worse, but it wasn’t the reason he did what he did. Based on those areas and his personnel file, Hankerd is said to have gotten several written warnings for his behaviour.

Hankerd was caught for the first time in February 2023. There were more charges brought against him in May 2024, after a second victim came forward.

Port Orange police told FOX 35 that after Hankerd was first arrested, they got calls from 30 different people. Four say that he is responsible for their problems.