Former Teacher of the Year, Assistant Principal Arrested on Child Sex Charges

Former Teacher of the Year, Assistant Principal Arrested on Child Sex Charges

A former Ocean Springs educator who was once recognized as Teacher of the Year is now facing felony charges after investigators say she had a sexual relationship with a student.

According to the Ocean Springs Police Department, Olivia Marie Smith has been charged with sexual battery and enticement of a child to meet for sexual purposes. Smith previously taught at Ocean Springs Middle School, where she was named Teacher of the Year in 2022, and most recently served as an assistant principal at Oak Park Elementary.

Police say the investigation began after Ocean Springs School District officials reported allegations of inappropriate behavior on June 20. The district says it immediately notified law enforcement and Mississippi Child Protective Services and fully cooperated throughout the investigation.

Following its own internal investigation, the school district terminated Smith’s employment.

In a statement, the district said it was “deeply saddened” by the charges and emphasized that the safety of students remains its highest priority while the investigation continues.

After a probable cause hearing Thursday, Smith was arrested. Jackson County Circuit Judge Calvin Taylor set her bond at $50,000 on each charge, for a total of $100,000.

Authorities say the investigation is ongoing and are asking anyone with additional information to contact the Ocean Springs Police Department or Mississippi Coast Crime Stoppers.

As with all criminal cases, the charges are allegations, and Smith is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in court.

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