Olivia Marie Smith, a former 'Teacher of the Year' who was recently promoted to assistant principal, has been arrested and charged with sexual battery and enticement of a child, according to reports.
Authorities received a tip regarding Smith's alleged perverted behavior while she was employed at Ocean Springs Middle School in Mississippi. The Jackson County Sheriff's Office arrested Smith on Thursday. The age of the student involved has not been disclosed.
Smith was recognized as a Teacher of the Year at the middle school in 2022 and subsequently promoted to assistant principal at nearby Oak Park Elementary School. The sexual battery charge, given her position of authority, carries a potential sentence of up to 30 years in prison in Mississippi. Additional details regarding the enticement charge were not immediately available.
Officials from the Ocean Springs School District released a statement addressing the situation. "We understand the gravity of this situation and the concern it may raise in our community," the statement read. "We want to reassure parents, students, and staff that we are addressing this matter with seriousness and diligence. The safety of our students and staff members remains our highest priority."