Alleged affair lands teacher in jail; mother of victim could also face charges

HIALEAH, Fla. (WSVN) -- Hialeah Police have arrested a South Florida teacher accused of having sex with a middle school student, and police said the child's mother might even face charges.

Police have charged 32-year-old Maria Guzman Hernandez with sexual battery on a child with whom she had custodial authority. Police said the boy's mother admitted that she was aware of the sexual relationship and approved of it. "Most of the sexual encounters happened at the child's apartment," said Hialeah Police Detective Carl Zogby.

The mother is now also under investigation by both police and the Department of Children and Families.

When Police began their investigation Saturday, they found out Hernandez and the 15-year-old victim were spending the weekend in Disney World together. "We pretty much asked them, if not ordered them to immediately return to Hialeah," said Zogby.

Once they returned, officials said Hernandez admitted to officers she had sex with the teenager for several months, and she told authorities the reason for the crime was that she was "In love." "She understood it was wrong, but she was firm on her conviction that she was in love with this young man," said Zogby.

According to police reports, a detective on the case wrote, "The victim stated he and the defendant have been sexually active since March and that Hernandez confessed."

Hernandez and the eighth grade student met at Our Lady of Charity in Hialeah, where Hernandez is a sixth grade teacher. Hernandez's two children also attend the school.

The principal at Our Lady of Charity said the rumors about the alleged relationship began circulating last week. On Friday, the school reported the incident to a child abuse hot line. "The minute we found out, she [Hernandez] gave us the resignation right then and there," said the school's principal, Xenia Torres.

One parent is shocked by the allegations. "For the love of God, I wouldn't know what a 32-year-old woman would find in a 15-year-old boy," said Odalys Lores.

Hialeah Police believe this is an isolated incident, and they said there are no more victims.

Hernandez is out of jail on bond. If convicted on her charges, she could face up to 30 years behind bars.

DCF is trying to place Hernandez's two children with her estranged husband or another family member. DCF officials are also working to make sure the victim and his mother get counseling.

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