Brandon Voice Coach Accused Of Molesting Female Teenage Student

NEW PORT RICHEY, FL — The Pasco County Sheriff's Office has arrested an independent music/singing coach accused of lewd and lascivious molestation.

Craig Hartfield of Brandon, who is not employed at any school, was hired as a voice coach for a 14-year-old girl in the New Port Richey area in October 2021, and had been going to her home several times a week.

The sheriff's office began an investigation on June 10 after receiving a complaint that Hartfield sent "thousands of Facebook messages" that were sexually explicit and indicated that he wanted to have sex with the girl. The teen said he also gave her alcohol, a sex toy and would give her massages when he came to her home.

After Hartfield was arrested on Monday, he admitted that he knew the girl was 14 years old when he sent her the inappropriate messages.

Although this occurred in the New Port Richey area, Hartfield lives in the Brandon area.

Hartfield said he did not attempt relationships with any other students, but anyone with contradicting information should contact the Pasco sheriff's Crime Tips Line at 1-800-706-2488.