A former special education teacher in Florida has been taken into custody following accusations of engaging in sexual conduct with a 17-year-old, who is the brother of her past student.
Michelle Lynn Hancock, aged 41 and residing in Palm Bay, faces charges that include transmitting harmful information to minors, using a computer for seducing or soliciting a child, traveling to meet a minor after online communication, engaging in lewd and lascivious conduct, committing sexual battery as an authority figure, and inappropriate conduct with a student, as documented in Brevard County jail records.
Michelle Lynn Hancock, a 41-year-old former special education instructor at Heritage High School in Palm Bay, is accused of initiating a sexual relationship with a teenage boy. (Brevard County Sheriff’s Office; Google Maps)
The arrest occurred on Wednesday when officers responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle parked on the roadside. Inside, they found Hancock with a teenage boy, and both reportedly confessed to engaging in sexual activity.
A spokesperson from Brevard Public Schools informed Florida Today that Michelle Hancock is no longer employed with the district.
Hancock is accused of engaging in sexual activity with a teen boy. (Getty)
“We are deeply troubled by these allegations. The District remains committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students,” the district said.
News Media has reached out to the Palm Bay Police Department and the school district for comment.
Hancock was a special education teacher at Heritage High School, where she met the teen after having previously taught his older brother, according to an affidavit obtained by People.
The teen had withdrawn from the high school and enrolled in virtual classes, authorities said. However, he began visiting Hancock at the school and stated they had kissed in her classroom.
They maintained a relationship before briefly separating, local media reported.
However, the pair began texting each other again and re-engaged in sexual activity a month ago, authorities said. Hancock would also send the teen photos of herself that were “sexual in nature,” police said.
Hancock is being held in the Brevard County jail on a $525,000 bond.