On April 29, 2026, Charlotte County Sheriff's Office detectives served a search warrant on a classroom at Port Charlotte High School and took a teacher into custody. Heather M. Mashburn-Smith, 37, was arrested after the school's principal received a tip through the ParentSquare app. Detectives developed probable cause involving a 17-year-old student on campus. She gave a full post-Miranda statement and was charged under Florida Statute 794.05, enhanced to a first-degree felony because of her position as a teacher. The State later amended the charge to Florida Statute 794.011(8)(b) -- sexual assault by a person in familial or custodial authority. She was held without bond from May 7 after the State was granted pretrial detention. On August 25, 2026, she entered a plea of guilty and was adjudicated guilty on Count 1. SENTENCE: 7 years Florida Department of Corrections 15 years sex offender probation to follow 118 days credit for time served Designated a sexual predator Permanent surrender of teaching certificate, barred from reapplication HIV and hepatitis testing ordered Approximately $1,118 in court costs and assessments Case number 26000565F, Twentieth Judicial Circuit, Charlotte County. Judge Shannon H. McFee presiding. Prosecutor Jennifer M. Garczewski. Defense counsel Scott Weinberg. Footage obtained through a Florida Chapter 119 public records request to the Charlotte County Sheriff's Office.