Port Charlotte High School Teacher Arrested for Sex with Student

Francesco Abbruzzino, The Uncensored Report, LLC

CCSO

A Port Charlotte High School teacher was arrested for sexual activity with one of her students on campus.
On April 29, 2026, detectives with the Charlotte County Sheriff’s Office Major Crimes Unit were alerted of possible unlawful sexual activity occurring at Port Charlotte High School, located at 18200 Cochran Boulevard, which involved a teacher and a student.

Through investigation, detectives developed probable cause for the arrest of the teacher, Heather M. Mashburn-Smith (4/12/1989), for having sexual intercourse on school campus with the 17-year-old student, which occurred on two occasions within the last month.

Mark Vianello, Superintendent of Charlotte County Public Schools, stated, “The actions of this individual are a direct violation of the duty every educator owes to students and families. We will not tolerate anything that compromises student safety. This individual has been placed on administrative leave as we work closely with law enforcement and pursue full accountability. Our focus remains on protecting our students and responding decisively.”

“What this woman has done is not just unlawful, it is damaging to the students and staff around her. Teachers are meant to be people that students can trust and seek out for mentorship, guidance, and encouragement. This individual took advantage of that vulnerability and preyed on one of the people she was entrusted to protect. We take that very seriously in Charlotte County, and I applaud my Major Crimes detectives for their quick and appropriate actions to intervene, investigate, and make an arrest.” – Sheriff Bill Prummell

Mashburn-Smith was charged with Unlawful Activity with Certain Minors, as outlined in Florida State Statute 794.05, and was booked into the Charlotte County Jail. At the time of this release, she is still being processed at the Jail.