Teacher Accused of Felony Sex with Student

(Weaverville, North Carolina) A 22-year-old teacher's assistant at North Buncombe High School, Heather Shelton, surrendered to Buncombe County Sheriff's deputies upon being charged with felony sex with an 18-year-old student. According to Detective Anne Benjamin, the parents of the 18-year-old became suspicious of the relationship their son had with Shelton and notified the police.

Under North Carolina law, it is illegal for a teacher to have sexual relations with a student, regardless of age. Consequently, had Shelton and the 18-year-old waited a few months to have sex, there would have been no prosecutable offense.

Shelton was fired from her teaching position a mere two months after launching her career. If convicted, Shelton faces a possible 10 months or more in prison. She was released with a promise to appear in court on Monday or pay $25,000 bond.


[Update 10/27/06]

Shelton arrested for theft.