Parents expect that, when they send their kids to school, the teachers there will take care of them, look out for them and protect them. It is likely not expected that an actual physical relationship will begin between a teacher and a student. South Carolina teachers accused of such relationships, regardless of whether the child is of age, could possibly face serious felony charges.
Recently, a choir teacher at a local high school — a 31-year-old female — was arrested and charged with the sexual battery of a student. Supposedly, the teacher engaged in a sexual relationship with a student during the most recent school year before his graduation. The teenager was reportedly of the age to consent, which is 17 in the state of South Carolina. In spite of that, however, it is illegal for a teacher to engage in an inappropriate sexual relationship with one of his or her students.
The school district, as well as local police, are investigating the allegations. The teacher is now faced with felony charges for the alleged relationship, possible jail time, the loss of her job and the potential loss of her teaching certificate altogether. Needless to say, such accusations can be damaging both personally and professionally.
South Carolina residents facing felony charges like these have the right to a strong criminal defense to help see them through their court proceedings. In this case, it is up to the prosecution to fully prove that this relationship actually took place during the school year while the teenager was still a student at the school. If they fail in doing so, the accused teacher would remain innocent and could be released of the charges against her.
Source: greertoday.com, Former Greer High teacher charged with having sex with student, No author, Dec. 12, 2013