An Alabama woman who was named "Teacher of the Year" by the school she taught at now faces allegations of sexual abuse.
Heather Ozment, 49, has been charged with sexual abuse in the first and second degree and enticing a child to enter a vehicle or house for immoral purposes, Fox News reported.
Ozment was a kindergarten teacher at Calera Elementary School and had been named "Teacher of the Year" for the 2024-2025 school year, according to AL.com, that screen grabbed a social media post announcing the award.
Police said the alleged incident happened after school hours and not at a school facility. The allegations do not involve students.
"Allegations involving sexual misconduct with minors must be investigated immediately, thoroughly, and methodically," Police Chief David Hyche said. "Nothing we do in law enforcement is more important than protecting the most vulnerable in our community."
Police said that Owens House, a children's advocacy center, helped in conducting interviews and examinations with the juvenile victims.
AL.com reported that Shelby County Schools officials said they became aware of the allegations in April.
"The teacher was immediately put on leave for the remainder of the school year while the matter was investigated by local law enforcement," according to the statement to AL.com. "The alleged conduct occurred after school hours and did not take place at a school facility. We are unable to provide more information as it is an employee matter."
