A 25-year-old teacher in the US has been charged with first-degree sexual misconduct following allegations by authorities that she engaged in a sexual relationship with a teenager from a neighbouring school. The encounter reportedly took place inside the boy's truck shortly after the teacher began her employment as a first-grade teacher at St John Elementary School in Washington state.

US Teacher Mackenzie Naught Pleads Guilty 

The teacher, identified as Mackenzie Naught, pleaded guilty to the charges in court, facing a recommended prison sentence and a requirement to register as a sex offender upon her release. The investigation began in May, after her husband, an assistant track coach at the teenager's high school, discovered the relationship and alerted the police. While Naught initially admitted the affair to her husband, she later denied having sexual relations with the 16-year-old when questioned by investigators.

How Was She Caught?

However, her husband provided police with cellphone screenshots that supported the allegations, as reported by the Spokesman-Review. The teenager told investigators that Naught initiated the contact by flirting and sending late-night messages while her husband slept. He added that he was initially reluctant to meet her before eventually agreeing.

ALSO READ: US Teacher Arrested Over Sex With Students; Later, Students Used OnlyFans To Blackmail For Better Grades

The boy stated that Naught had asked him to drive to a secluded location, where they kissed and got intimate in his truck. She asked him not to tell anyone about their encounter, citing concerns about losing her job. Investigators verified the teenager’s timeline and account of the evening using tracking data, which confirmed his vehicle’s location at the remote site. After her arrest, she apologised and acknowledged her conduct was inappropriate.

Reading the order, senior Deputy Prosecutor Tessa Scholl said, “The defendant's guilty plea represents an important step in holding her accountable for her actions and spares John Doe the burden of having to testify at trial. Our office remains committed to supporting John Doe and his family throughout the remainder of the judicial process.” Her sentencing hearing is scheduled for August 28. Meanwhile, her husband has filed for divorce.

ALSO READ: Married Teacher Avoids Jail Time Despite Sex Trafficking Charges For Sending Explicit Images To Minor; Here's How

You May Also Like To Watch: