Former teacher charged with soliciting minor allowed to help raise children with wife

STUART, Fla. (WPEC) — A man accused of grooming a minor almost a month ago was granted a motion Tuesday, allowing him to live at home and help raise his three children.

The former Martin County High School teacher, 34-year-old Antonio Capilupi, was arrested and charged with possession of child pornography and solicitation of a minor August 24. As a part of the motion granted by Judge William Roby, he must wear a GPS device and check in with the Martin County Sheriff's Office weekly.

The now-approved motion was filed with a letter of support from Capilupi's wife, which said she needs help raising their three young children.

See also: South Florida man arrested, charged with having hundreds of child porn images

One child was born August 7, and the other two are six and seven years old. His wife's letter also said the children miss their father, and she requires his assistance as she continues recovering from child birth.

In accordance with the agreement, Capilupi cannot have contact with anyone under the age of 18 outside his home and must stay away from areas where children congregate.

He must also have no contact with the victim, who was 13 years old when the communications began between her and the 34-year-old former teacher. According to the arrest report, Capilupi would ask for inappropriate photos from the minor via Snapchat.

It was only after students at the school reported these communications was the man caught.

“While our entire school community is naturally shocked and disgusted by these allegations, it was the many tips that were shared by our students that ultimately led to a comprehensive law enforcement investigation and subsequent arrest," Martin County High School's principal previously said.

Capilupi's next hearing is scheduled for October 2.