A Port Charlotte High School teacher is facing a first-degree felony charge after investigators say she admitted to having sex with a 17-year-old student on campus, twice in the last month.
Authorities say the case started with a tip that prompted detectives to open an investigation. By Wednesday, they had enough to move in. The teacher, identified as 37-year-old Heather M. Mashburn-Smith, was arrested at Port Charlotte High School, 18200 Cochran Boulevard, and booked into the Charlotte County Jail on April 29.
According to a statement from the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office, detectives with the Major Crimes Unit developed probable cause and took Mashburn-Smith into custody at the school. Investigators say she provided a full, post-Miranda confession and was charged with Unlawful Activity with Certain Minors under Florida Statute 794.05. Because she was a teacher and the victim a student, the sheriff's office says the charge has been enhanced to a first-degree felony.
Investigation and Charges
Sheriff Bill Prummell described the arrest as the product of a fast and focused investigation, and he did not mince words about the alleged conduct. He called it "damaging to the students and staff around her," according to the sheriff's release.
Detectives believe the sexual activity occurred twice on school grounds within the last month. After her arrest, Mashburn-Smith was taken to the county jail for processing and remained in custody at the time of the statement.
School Response
Charlotte County Public Schools has placed Mashburn-Smith on administrative leave while the criminal case plays out, and district officials say they are working closely with law enforcement.
Superintendent Mark Vianello, quoted in the sheriff's release, called the alleged actions "a direct violation of the duty every educator owes to students and families" and said the district's focus remains on protecting students and pursuing accountability.
Legal Implications
The charge is rooted in Florida Statute 794.05, which covers unlawful sexual activity with certain minors. In this case, the sheriff's office says the offense has been enhanced to a first-degree felony because Mashburn-Smith was a teacher and the teen was a student.
Prosecutors with the State Attorney's Office will now review the investigative file and decide what formal charges, if any, to file. Under Florida's sentencing statutes, a first-degree felony can carry a statutory maximum of up to 30 years in prison, according to Florida law.
What Happens Next
Following booking, the case is being forwarded to the State Attorney's Office for review and scheduling of court appearances. Local officials say additional details will be released as the investigation and prosecutorial review move forward. As of the latest update from the sheriff's office, Mashburn-Smith remained in custody.
National Coverage
The arrest has already drawn national attention. The New York Post reported on the sheriff's account on April 30, amplifying the case well beyond Charlotte County.
Officials are asking anyone with additional information about the alleged encounters to contact law enforcement as the case moves through the criminal process.
