Florida teacher accused of having sex with student, 17, twice on campus

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. (KWTX) - A Port Charlotte High School teacher is facing a felony charge after investigators said she had sexual intercourse with a 17-year-old student on campus on two occasions within the past month.

Detectives with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit said they were alerted April 29 to possible unlawful sexual activity at Port Charlotte High School, 18200 Cochran Boulevard.

Investigators said they developed probable cause to arrest 37-year-old Heather M. Mashburn-Smith.

According to the sheriff’s office, Mashburn-Smith provided a post-Miranda confession and was charged with Unlawful Activity with Certain Minors.

The sheriff’s office said the charge is enhanced to a first-degree felony because of her position as a teacher.

Mashburn-Smith was booked into the Charlotte County Jail.

In a statement, Mark Vianello, Superintendent of Charlotte County Public Schools, said the district placed Mashburn-Smith on administrative leave.

“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.”

Sheriff Bill Prummell also condemned the alleged actions.

“What this woman has done is not just unlawful, it is damaging to the students and staff around her,” Prummell said. “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.”

The investigation is ongoing.