OKEECHOBEE -- A preacher who coached middle school basketball and baseball has been charged with a felony in connection with his relationship with a teenaged student.

On April 12, 2023 Okeechobee County Sheriff’s Office (OCSO), Detective Cauley received information regarding an Okeechobee County School District employee implicated in a romantic relationship with a student.

On Friday, April 14, 2023, the Okeechobee County School District was contacted by OCSO Office regarding inappropriate conduct between an individual who has served as a baseball and basketball coach from Yearling Middle School and an 18-year-old student.

Donny Raney has been removed from all coaching activities and contact with students. The district has notified the Office of Professional Practices for further sanctions.

After a thorough investigation by OCSO, Donny Raney, 36, was arrested on April 19, 2023, and booked into the Okeechobee County Jail for violating F.S.S. 800.101 (2) (B), An authority figure engaging in a romantic relationship with a student.

He has since posted a $50,000 bond and has been released.

According to the arrest report, Raney is employed by Okeechobee Missonary Baptist Church.

This story will be updated as more information becomes available.