An Alabama kindergarten ‘Teacher of the Year’ was arrested on Friday on charges of sexual abuse and enticing a teenager for immoral purposes. Heather Ozment, 49, an educator at Calera Elementary School, is facing accusations of first and second-degree sexual abuse and enticing a child to enter a vehicle or house for immoral purposes. The alleged incidents, which took place after school hours and not at a school facility, have sparked a thorough investigation by local law enforcement. David Hyche, chief of the Calera Police Department, emphasized the importance of protecting minors, stating that such allegations must be investigated immediately and thoroughly.
Despite the serious nature of the allegations, Ozment was initially placed on leave from her position at Calera Elementary School. Officials from Shelby County Schools confirmed that the teacher was put on leave for the remainder of the school year while the case was under investigation. The school district stated that the matter is an employee issue, and they cannot provide further details. Ozment was booked into Shelby County Jail on Friday and released on the same day. She is currently awaiting further legal proceedings.
Authorities have partnered with Owens House, a children’s advocacy non-profit, to conduct forensic interviews and examinations of the juvenile victims. Police believe there may be more victims associated with the case, prompting a broader investigation. The alleged misconduct occurred outside of school hours and at a location other than the school itself, which has raised questions about the scope of the teacher’s actions and the potential for additional victims. The case has also raised concerns about teacher conduct outside of the classroom environment, particularly when interacting with minors.
Ozment was recently awarded the Teacher of the While the school district acknowledged the allegations, they have not publicly commented on her previous accolades. The incident has sparked discussions about the responsibilities of educators beyond the classroom and the need for continued vigilance in protecting students from abuse and exploitation. The case highlights the importance of addressing misconduct, regardless of where it occurs, and ensuring that all individuals working with minors are held accountable for their actions. As the investigation continues, the community remains concerned about the safety of its youth and the integrity of the education system.