A teacher at Port Charlotte High School was apprehended on Wednesday, following an investigation in which it was determined that she had engaged in sexual activities with a 17-year-old student at the school twice during the previous month.
On April 29, 2026, Detectives of the Major Crimes Unit of the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office were notified of possible sexual misconduct at the school located at 18200 Cochran Blvd. During their investigation, the Detectives gathered sufficient probable cause to arrest Heather M. Mashburn-Smith, 37, for the alleged crimes.
The suspect reportedly fully confessed to her alleged crimes after being advised of her Miranda rights. She was charged with Unlawful Activity with Certain Minors under Florida Statute 794.05. In addition, due to her employment as a teacher, she was charged with committing her alleged crime as a first-degree felony. She was held at the Charlotte County Jail until further charges could be filed.
Superintendent of Charlotte County Public Schools, Mark Vianello, reported that Ms. Mashburn-Smith had been on administrative leave since the beginning of this investigation.
