WALTON HIGH COACH CHARGED WITH OFFENSES AGAINST A STUDENT BY AN AUTHORITY FIGURE
WALTON COUNTY, Fla— A Walton High football and weightlifting coach is now facing a second-degree felony following an investigation by the Walton County Sheriff’s Office.
Zachary Mason, 24, of Crestview, has turned himself into the Walton County Jail after a warrant was issued for his arrest Friday afternoon.
The investigation was the result of a tip submitted through the Fortify Florida app Tuesday regarding a relationship between Mason and a student. Mason was immediately suspended by Walton County School District.
During the investigation it was found Mason and the student began communicating through Snapchat in December 2025 and exchanged messages that became romantic and sexual in nature. In addition, Mason also admitted the two went to his home in Crestview and had sex after picking the student up in Walton County.
Mason is charged with any authority figure (18 or older) engaging in a romantic relationship with a student and unlawful use of a two-way communication device. He was booked into the Walton County Jail and is awaiting first appearance.
This investigation is still ongoing and additional charges may be forthcoming.