Overview
- Detectives arrested 37‑year‑old Heather Mashburn‑Smith on April 29 after an investigation into sexual activity with a 17‑year‑old student.
- Bodycam video published August 20–21 shows Mashburn‑Smith walking officers through her Port Charlotte High School classroom while describing where and how she and the student had sex.
- Charging documents and the footage say the relationship began with messages on Snapchat, included the teacher leaving a door cracked so the student could enter after practice, and involved sex at least twice.
- Authorities say her statements after Miranda and other evidence led prosecutors to upgrade the charge to a first‑degree felony because she was in a position of authority over the minor.
- She has been placed on administrative leave, school leaders condemned the conduct, and the case exposes how Florida law treats sexual contact with a 17‑year‑old as illegal and often aggravated when an educator is involved.