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A married educator in Florida confessed to engaging in sexual activities with a minor student in her classroom and expressed a desire to leave her husband for him once he reached the age of 18, as revealed in recently released court documents.
Heather Mashburn-Smith, aged 37, provided a complete confession following her Miranda rights, acknowledging her awareness that the student was “just a teenager,” according to an arrest affidavit reported by WBBH-TV.
Their inappropriate interactions began on Snapchat, turning flirtatious after the 17-year-old complimented his teacher by calling her “pretty,” as stated in the documents.
The student began visiting Mashburn-Smith’s classroom at Port Charlotte High School more frequently, where their relationship escalated to kissing and engaging in sexual activities on at least two occasions, according to the affidavit.
Throughout these encounters, the teacher expressed dissatisfaction with her marriage and voiced her intent to leave her husband for the student once he reached the legal age of consent in Florida.
That concerned the boy, who stopped chatting and blocked his teacher — who kept messaging him on Snapchat, according to the affidavit.
Mashburn-Smith then admitted it all to cops, saying that she “made a mistake,” the docs said.
She admitted she knew the student was “just a teenager” but said he made her feel desired, officers said.
The educator was charged with of unlawful sexual activity with minors, which carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison.
“What this woman has done is not just unlawful, it is damaging to the students and staff around her,” Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell said.
She was also suspended from Port Charlotte High School, the district said.
“The actions of this individual are a direct violation of the duty every educator owes to students and families,” Charlotte County Public Schools Superintendent Mark Vianello said in a stern statement.
“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,” he added.
“What this woman has done is not just unlawful, it is damaging to the students and staff around her,” Charlotte County Sheriff Bill Prummell said of the teacher, who now faces up to 30 years in prison.