Alabama kindergarten teacher, 49, accused of enticing teen into bathroom for sexual encounter

An Alabama kindergarten "Teacher of the Year" was arrested Friday morning on sex charges involving local teenagers.
Heather Ozment, 49, who is an educator at Calera Elementary School, is charged with 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 said that the alleged conduct happened after school hours and did not occur at a school facility or with Ozment's students.
Ozment was awarded Teacher of the Year for 2024-2025, per the school's Facebook page.
"Allegations involving sexual misconduct with minors must be investigated immediately, thoroughly, and methodically, David Hyche, the chief of police at the said in a press release.
"Nothing we do in law enforcement is more important than protecting the most vulnerable in our community."
Hyche said that Owens House, a children's advocacy non-profit, partnered with police to conduct forensic interviews and examinations of the juvenile victims.
Shelby County Schools officials said they were made aware of the allegations in April. It is unclear when the alleged crimes took place.
"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.
"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.

Try Our AI Features

Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:

Learn with AIFact CheckingText to SpeechAI Summary

Related Articles

Yahoo

28 minutes ago

• Yahoo

Ontario County GOP voters to decide DA primary June 24: What to know

Voting in the Republican primary for Ontario County District Attorney will take place on Tuesday, June 24, from 6 a.m. to 9 p.m. at all 44 county polling sites. According to the Ontario County Board of Elections, more than 29,000 registered Republicans are eligible to vote in the race between incumbent District Attorney James Ritts and challenger Jason MacBride, a career prosecutor. This high-profile contest has drawn attention since MacBride launched his campaign in February, citing concerns over an internal investigation into a controversial courthouse election night party that involved costumes, alcohol, decorations, and karaoke. MacBride, formerly Ritts' First Assistant DA, said the incident raised ethical concerns and motivated his candidacy. In a statement, he wrote: 'It is not silly for the public to expect their District Attorney to be truthful during an official investigation.' Ritts has defended the event, stating it was a long-standing tradition started by his predecessor and only became controversial during his re-election bid. This is the only countywide primary in Ontario County. Republican primaries are also being held in the towns of Farmington, Gorham, Naples, Phelps, and Richmond. James Ritts (Incumbent) First elected in 2017 as a Republican and Conservative. Previously served as First Assistant DA under R. Michael Tantillo. Ran unopposed in 2021, now seeking a third term. In a statement, Ritts said: 'Our 96% conviction rate and lowest dismissal rate in Western NY (4% compared to the statewide 14%) is a point of pride. I've recruited an amazing team to fight for victims, public safety, and justice for all.'' He pledged to continue expanding support for victims and maintaining Ontario County's reputation as a safe place to live and raise a family. Jason MacBride (Challenger) Currently serves as an Assistant County Attorney, prosecuting juvenile cases and advising child protection investigations. Has 21 years of prosecutorial experience, including felony cases such as homicides and child abuse. Formerly worked in both the Monroe and Ontario County DA's Offices. In his statement, MacBride emphasized restoring "ethical and effective leadership" and wrote: 'I lead by example through hard work, ingenuity, and partnering with others to best serve victims.' To verify your registration, party enrollment, or polling location, visit: Ontario County Voter Info Center NY State Voter Lookup Or call the Ontario County Board of Elections at 585-396-4005. Mike Murphy covers Canandaigua and other communities in Ontario County and writes the Eat, Drink and Be Murphy food and drink column. Follow him on X at @MPN_MikeMurphy. Madison Scott is a journalist with the Democrat and Chronicle who edited our Weld Street Project and also did reporting for it. She has an interest in how the system helps or doesn't help families with missing loved ones. She can be reached at MDScott@ This article originally appeared on Rochester Democrat and Chronicle: Ontario County GOP voters to decide DA primary June 24: What to know

Yahoo

29 minutes ago

• Yahoo

Sean 'Diddy' Combs trial updates: Prosecution expects to rest its case on Monday

This story may contain accounts and descriptions of actual or alleged events that some readers may find disturbing. This is week seven of testimony in the trial of Sean "Diddy" 23, 5:05 AMProsecution expects to rest on Monday The trial of Sean "Diddy" Combs will resume on Monday with Homeland Security Investigations special agent Joseph Cerciello testifying for the prosecutor Maurene Comey said the government expects to rest on Arun Subramanian said he would hear arguments for a defense motion for a directed verdict of attorney Marc Agnifilo said the defense's case will be "on the shorter side." He said the defense could rest on Tuesday or that schedule holds, the judge said closing arguments would occur on Thursday. Jun 23, 5:05 AMRead updates from week 6 Click here to catch up on everything from the sixth week of the Sean Combs trial. Click here to read the rest of the blog.

Yahoo

29 minutes ago

• Yahoo

AP Top Stories June 23

Here's the latest for Monday June 23rd: U.S. tries to assess damage from attack on Iran; New missile and drone strikes on Ukraine; Gunman killed outside of Michigan church; Oklahoma City Thunder win NBA Championship.