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An Alabama kindergarten “Teacher of the Year” was arrested Friday morning on sex charges involving local teenagers.
Charges have been filed against Heather Ozment, a 49-year-old educator at Calera Elementary School, accusing her of sexual abuse in the first and second degree and enticing a child to enter a vehicle or house for immoral purposes.
The Calera Police Department clarified that the reported misconduct took place outside of school hours and did not occur on school premises or involve any of Ozment’s students.
Heather Ozment was arrested Friday morning on sex charges involving local teenagers. (Shelby County Jail)
Working alongside the authorities, Owens House, a children’s advocacy non-profit, assisted in facilitating forensic interviews and examinations for the juvenile victims implicated in the case.
Shelby County Schools officials said they were made aware of the allegations in April. It is unclear when the alleged crimes took place.Â
“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 a school statement provided to AL.com.
A Calera Police Department vehicle outside the police department. (Calera Police Department)
“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.”
According to the Shelby County Jail, Ozment was booked into the facility on Friday and released on the same day.
