A Hollywood, Florida, middle school teacher has been arrested following accusations of an inappropriate relationship with a student, authorities confirmed. The 38-year-old Driftwood Middle School teacher, Felicia Smith, faces charges of lewd and lascivious molestation and battery.
Smith, listed on the school's website as a language arts teacher, was arrested by the Hollywood Police Department when allegations surfaced on Wednesday. According to a statement obtained by CBS News Miami, Smith admitted to developing what she initially described as a "maternal relationship" with the student at the start of the school year. She later conceded to having kissed the student on campus.
The allegations were brought to police attention by an undisclosed source, which prompted immediate investigation. The student involved also claimed to have been forced to touch Smith inappropriately, an accusation currently under scrutiny. Responding to the arrest and ongoing case, Hollywood police emphasized their close cooperation with the Broward School Board.
The school district has taken swift action by removing Smith from her teaching position as the proceedings continue. "The safety of our students is always our top priority," a spokeswoman for the district reinforced in a statement to Local 10 News. "Broward County Public Schools is fully cooperating with the Hollywood Police Department in its investigation."
