Longtime Broward Schools teacher faces child sexual battery charges

A longtime Broward County Public Schools (BCPS) employee appeared in court Tuesday after being arrested on six counts of child sexual battery.

Basil Farrington, 47, was taken into custody Monday by Broward Sheriff’s Office deputies in Lauderdale Lakes, according to jail records.

District officials confirmed that Farrington has worked as a grant facilitator since 2020 but previously taught math at Boyd H. Anderson High School in Lauderdale Lakes from 2000 to 2015 and at Whiddon Rogers Education Center in Fort Lauderdale from 2015 to 2020.

According to a brief arrest warrant, the alleged victim was a student at Boyd H. Anderson High School. Authorities say the abuse occurred between 2011 and 2013, while Farrington was the boy’s teacher. The warrant states only that the student was under 18 at the time.

In court Tuesday, prosecutors noted the seriousness of the allegations and argued that the statute of limitations did not apply.

“In this case, we’re dealing with the victim, (who) at the time was a minor,” prosecutor Eric Linder said. “There are psychological, emotional issues. There are other reasons that I’m not going to get into on the record, your honor, for why one may not come out with these types of allegations.”

Farrington’s attorney emphasized that he had no prior criminal history and was nearing retirement.

Prosecutors requested Farrington be held without bond, but the judge set bond at $150,000. If released, he must wear an ankle monitor, remain on house arrest, avoid contact with minors and the accuser, and stay away from school grounds.

A BCPS spokesperson said Farrington will be reassigned pending the outcome of the case.