Port Charlotte teacher arrested for having sex with student on school grounds

(Port Charlotte High School, 18200 Cochran Boulevard, Port Charlotte, FL)

Law enforcement officials report that a Port Charlotte High School teacher was arrested yesterday for allegedly having sex with one of her students – with that activity occurring on school grounds.

On April 29, detectives with Florida’s Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit were alerted of possible unlawful sexual activity occurring at Port Charlotte High School, located at 18200 Cochran Boulevard, which involved a teacher and a student.

During the course of their investigation, detectives developed probable cause for the arrest of the 37-year-old teacher, Heather M. Mashburn-Smith, for having sexual intercourse on school campus with her 17-year-old student.  Investigators say that their sexual activity occurred on two occasions within the last month.

Mark Vianello, Superintendent of Charlotte County Public Schools, stated, “The actions of this individual are a direct violation of the duty every educator owes to students and families. We will not tolerate anything that compromises student safety. This individual has been placed on administrative leave as we work closely with law enforcement and pursue full accountability. Our focus remains on protecting our students and responding decisively.”

“What this woman has done is not just unlawful, it is damaging to the students and staff around her. Teachers are meant to be people that students can trust and seek out for mentorship, guidance, and encouragement. This individual took advantage of that vulnerability and preyed on one of the people she was entrusted to protect. We take that very seriously in Charlotte County, and I applaud my Major Crimes detectives for their quick and appropriate actions to intervene, investigate, and make an arrest.”  ~ Sheriff Bill Prummell

After providing a full confession to detectives, Mashburn-Smith was charged with Unlawful Activity with Certain Minors, which is enhanced to a First-Degree Felony due to her position as a teacher. Mashburn-Smith was booked into the Charlotte County Jail.

For more on Heather Mashburn-Smith getting arrested for  engaging in sexual activities with one of her students, while on campus, see the video accompanying this article.

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(Source and mugshot: Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office)

Posted by Richard Webster, Ace News Today
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