Greenwood, Indiana – Teacher and coach with the Greenwood High School who was previously accused of having sex and sending nude photos to a female student is now officially charged with three counts of child seduction, the Johnson County Prosecutor’s Office confirmed.
According to police, the teacher was identified as the 40-year-old Matthew Hockersmith and he is accused of having intimate relationship with a female student.
The local police department started the investigation about the case earlier this month after they received an anonymous tip about “possible inappropriate digital and personal communication” between the two.
Upon reviewing messages from the victim’s phone, detectives noticed “multiple” messages of a sexual nature, nude photos and were told the two had had sex more than once.
Once questioned, the victim admitted to the authorities that she and her teacher, who is also a coach in the school, have developed relationship since the start of the current school year.
Hockersmith was arrested Monday at Greenwood High School. He told police that “things just started with hugging each other, then just progressed further and further. He said that things just got out of hand.”
When questioned by police, Hockersmith admitted everything and confirmed he is ready to take responsibility for the unfortunate series of events.
The Johnson County Sheriff’s Office says Hockersmith was booked into jail on a $9,000 surety and a $900 cash bond. Greenwood Police said Tuesday Hockersmith has posted bond and has been released from jail pending a court date.
The Greenwood Community School Corporation released the following statement Tuesday:
Yesterday, Greenwood Community School Corporation was deeply disturbed by information and allegations presented to us by the Greenwood Police Department regarding a school employee. In response, the district took immediate action by placing the employee on leave. As of today, the school initiated the process of terminating the employee’s contract. Counselors have been made available to students and staff.
We will continue working with Greenwood Police Department and are appreciative of our partnership
