Teacher, 37, who ‘had sex with teenage student’ blasted by police for ‘preying’

American high school teacher Heather Mashburn-Smith, 37, was arrested and later allegedly admitted to having sex with a 17-year-old student on several occasions

A high school teacher has been accused by police of “preying” on a teenager she was meant to be looking after. Heather Mashburn-Smith, 37, allegedly admitted to having sex with the 17-year-old student on several occasions.

She was arrested after police received a tip-off that she had allegedly been involved in sexual activity with a pupil on at least two occasions. According to police, the American high school teacher would later give a “full, post-Miranda confession”, admitting to the act during questioning.

She has now been charged with unlawful activity with a minor, which is a first-degree felony because of her position of authority.

Local officer Sheriff Bill Prummell described the case as representing a serious betrayal of trust.

Prummell said: “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.”

Mashburn-Smith has since been suspended from her role at Port Charlotte High School. Charlotte County Public Schools Superintendent Mark Vianello confirmed she has been placed on administrative leave as officials work alongside law enforcement.

He said: ‘“The actions of this individual are a direct violation of the duty every educator owes to students and families,” Vianello said. “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.”

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