Sarasota County Schools has confirmed an active Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office investigation involving Venice High head football coach Thomas John Peacock III. According to a probable cause affidavit, Peacock is named in an allegation of illegal interception of communications, a felony under Florida law. The complaint came on January 13, when a person told deputies that private phone conversations had been recorded without consent and later posted on X.
Investigators say they linked a TextMe number to Peacock through account records, a recovery phone number, and Venice Touchdown Club records. In a September interview, Peacock confirmed the recovery phone number was his and said he had previously created a TextMe number. The district issued a statement saying it is aware of the investigation and will cooperate fully with the sheriff’s office if warranted, but it has not said whether Peacock remains working or is on leave. No charges have been announced.
The story matters beyond the football field. Florida’s two-party consent law makes recording a private conversation without permission a serious offense, and TextMe-style apps are far more traceable than most users assume. Add a beloved local program and a district staying quiet on staffing, and you’ve got a lot of Suncoast families watching closely. What questions do you want answered as this investigation moves forward?
