A first-grade teacher in St. John, Washington, has been arrested and charged after allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a 16-year-old former student, a crime authorities say came to light when her husband reported her alleged confession to police.
According to the Whitman County Sheriff's Office, 25-year-old elementary school teacher Mackenzie Naught was taken into custody on May 11 after deputies received information about an inappropriate relationship involving a teen who had previously attended her school.
Investigators say Naught's husband contacted law enforcement after she allegedly told him she had sex with the 16-year-old "a couple of times." Deputies interviewed the husband and then the teen, and said the accounts were consistent enough to support probable cause for Naught's arrest later that day, according to People.
Court records and sheriff's officials state that Naught, who teaches first grade in the St. John School District, is charged with first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor. The charge stems from alleged encounters with the 16-year-old boy, whose identity has not been released because he is a minor.
Authorities have not detailed publicly how long the alleged relationship lasted, but say the conduct occurred earlier this year and did not take place on school grounds.
The teen told detectives that the sexual contact occurred on more than one occasion at locations away from campus, and investigators allege the encounters involved full sexual intercourse.
Because Naught is a teacher and the boy a student within the same small district, authorities say she held a position of trust and authority, making the alleged conduct a crime under Washington's sexual misconduct with a minor statute, even though the teen is over 16.
Under state law, that offense can carry significant prison time and requires sex offender registration upon conviction, the Washington Times reported.
Deputies executed search warrants on Naught's cellphone and other electronic devices as part of their investigation. Investigators are reviewing text messages and possible social media communications to determine how the relationship began, whether there was any grooming behavior, and how the meetings were arranged.
Officials have not disclosed the contents of those communications, citing the ongoing investigation and the need to protect the teen's privacy.
The Whitman County Sheriff's Office said the victim's family and the St. John School District are cooperating with investigators. District officials confirmed that Naught has been placed on leave and said they are following internal procedures for employees accused of serious misconduct involving students.
The district has also indicated it is prepared to offer counseling and other support resources to students and families affected by the case.
Authorities say they do not currently have evidence of additional victims but are asking anyone with information to contact the sheriff's office, as per WLOS.
