A special education teacher in Palm Bay, Florida, has been arrested and charged with unlawful sexual activity with a minor, multiple counts of lewd or lascivious touching, and traveling to meet a minor, among other offenses. Michelle Lynn Hancock, 41, was taken into custody on Tuesday.
Police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle and discovered Hancock allegedly engaged in sexual activity with a 17-year-old boy in her truck. According to an arrest report obtained by People, Hancock, a teacher at Heritage High School in Brevard County, allegedly confessed to having had sexual relations with the teen three or four times. The teen, however, told investigators that the encounters occurred between 10 and 20 times.
Hancock reportedly met the minor through his older brother, whom she had previously taught. The younger brother, who had dropped out of high school and was taking virtual classes, had begun visiting Hancock at Heritage High School, where they allegedly kissed in her classroom. The age of consent in Florida is 18.
A spokesperson for Brevard Public Schools confirmed that Hancock is no longer employed by the district. "We are deeply troubled by these allegations," the spokesperson stated. "The District remains committed to providing a safe and supportive learning environment for all students."
Hancock is currently being held on a $525,000 bond, according to jail records.