Port Charlotte High School teacher arrested after alleged sexual activity with student on campus

PORT CHARLOTTE, Fla. —

A Port Charlotte High School teacher was arrested after deputies said she engaged in sexual activities with one of her students while on campus.

The Charlotte County Sheriff's Office said detectives were notified about the activity on Wednesday and arrested Heather Mashburn-Smith, 37.

According to the sheriff's office, Mashburn-Smith and the 17-year-old student had sexual intercourse at the campus on two occasions within the last month.

Charlotte County Public Schools Superintendent Mark Vianello released the following statement:

“The actions of this individual are a direct violation of the duty every educator owes to students and families. 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.”

Mashburn-Smith is facing a charge of unlawful activity with certain minors, and she was taken to the Charlotte County Jail.

Gulf Coast News has reached out to Charlotte County Public Schools for further comment, but we have not yet heard back.

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