Lakeland Kathleen High School principal Cecil McClellan has resigned after being accused in a prostitution sting.
According to the The Ledger of Lakeland, McClellan's resignation letter was dated Sept. 5. McClellan worked for the Polk County School District for 26 years and became Kathleen's principal in 2004.
"It is with a heavy heart that I resign from our district that has given so much to our students and has been such a blessing to my family and me," McClellan, 49, wrote.
He also wrote that he and his wife are reaffirming their commitment to God and each other.
Schools Superintendent Sherrie Nickell said McClellan resigned in lieu of termination, The Ledger said.
McClellan was charged Aug. 30 with soliciting a prostitute in a sting that netted dozens of arrests. Polk County sheriff's deputies said McClellan contacted a female detective by computer and met her in a motel. Their meeting was videotaped.
He also was charged with two counts of battery for what the sheriff's office said was touching the detective's buttocks.