A high school special education teacher in Florida was arrested after she was accused of sexually abusing a 17-year-old boy, who is the brother of one of her former students.
Michelle Lynn Hancock was taken into custody on Tuesday, June 23, and was charged with transmitting information harmful to minors, using a computer to seduce or solicit a child, traveling to meet a child after using a computer to lure them, lewd and lascivious touching, sexual battery by an authority figure, and soliciting or engaging in conduct with a student, Us Weekly can confirm.
Authorities learned of the incident when police responded to a suspicious vehicle on the side of the road in Palm Bay, Florida, on June 23, according to an arrest affidavit obtained by Us.
Police found Hancock, 41, and the 17-year-old male victim inside of the vehicle, and they both allegedly admitted to engaging in sexual activity.
Hancock met the victim while working as a special education teacher at Heritage High School. The victim’s brother was previously one of Hancock’s students, per the affidavit.
The victim withdrew from the high school last year and enrolled in virtual classes. The reason for him leaving the school is not immediately known.
The affidavit stated that he told police he later began visiting Hancock at the school once he was no longer enrolled and they even kissed her in her classroom.
He also told police that he and Hancock had engaged in sexual activities between 10 and 20 times in the weeks leading up to her arrest.
Hancock also spoke to authorities and told them she had initially helped the teen with his school work. She then allegedly admitted that they engaged in sexual activity together “3 or 4 times,” according to the affidavit.
It is not currently clear if Hancock has entered a plea or retained legal counsel following her arrest. She is currently being held in custody in a Brevard County jail on $525,000 bond.
Following her arrest, a Brevard Public Schools spokesperson confirmed to Florida Today that Hancock was no longer employed by the district.
“We are deeply troubled by these allegations. The District remains committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students,” the district said in the statement.
The investigation into the allegations remains ongoing.
Parents, teachers, and guardians interested in learning more about protecting children from exploitation can find useful tools and information at Know2Protect.
