Former Middle School Teacher Accused Of Sexual Relationship, Sexting With Eighth-Grade Student

A former teacher who taught at New Smyrna Beach Middle School in Volusia County, Florida has was arrested on Wednesday on allegations that she had a sexual relationship with an eighth-grade student.

Police said that Stephanie Peterson, 26, was arrested on two counts of lewd or lascivious battery and one count of transmission of harmful materials to a minor.

The alleged relationship began in November, according to a press release from the Volusia County Sheriff’s Office posted on its Facebook page.

Police said they spoke to the 14-year-old victim who told them that Peterson sent him nude photos. That’s not all — she also allegedly picked him up at his home, around 11 p.m.on multiple occasions, and then brought him home a few hours later after engaging in a sexual encounter.

Police reported that the victim said his former teacher told him he couldn’t tell anyone or else they both would get in trouble. He said she also bought him marijuana and that his grades have suffered as a result of their allegedly improper relationship.

Peterson has been booked on $25,000 bond. It’s unclear if she has a lawyer at this time. Police said he resigned from her teaching position on Monday. She was a science teacher, according to WKMG.

"The young man was a student of hers last year and this year was her teacher's aide," Sheriff Mike Chitwood told WKMG. “The parents got wind of it [their alleged improper relationship,] and they confronted the teacher about breaking off the relationship. We believe sometime in January, they either resumed or continued the relationship. At that point, the family came to the police."

Any additional potential victims are asked to contact the VCSO Child Exploitation Unit at 386-323-3574.

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[Photos: Facebook, Volusia County Sheriff's Office]