Florida Teacher Heather Mashburn-Smith Charged After Classroom Sexual Activity with Student

Bodycam Footage Reveals Classroom Confessions

Bodycam video from an April 29 arrest shows Mashburn-Smith walking Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office deputies through her classroom to identify where the sexual activity took place.

During the walkthrough, Mashburn-Smith described the positions used during the encounters, specifically detailing how she was on top of the teenager while he sat in a chair. She told officers that the sex was “not premeditated,” claiming the pair would hug and talk before engaging in sexual activity.

Origins of the Relationship and Communication

Court documents indicate the relationship began with flirting on Snapchat after the student called Mashburn-Smith “pretty.” According to the affidavit, the teenager began visiting the classroom more frequently, leading to kissing and at least two instances of sexual intercourse. Mashburn-Smith admitted to deputies that she sometimes left a crack in the side door to allow the student to sneak in after football practice, while at other times she let him in after he knocked.

Charging documents state that Mashburn-Smith complained to the student about her marriage and expressed a desire to leave her husband for the boy once he turned 18, which is the legal age of consent in Florida.

Legal Consequences and Employment Status

Mashburn-Smith has been charged with unlawful sexual activity with minors, a felony that carries a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison. In addition to the criminal charges, she has been suspended from her teaching position.