Teacher Arrested for Sexual Activity With Student

IREDELL COUNTY, N.C. – Millions of parents across the county send their children to school every day. Parents do this assuming that teachers will keep their children safe. This is not always how the story plays out.

A teacher at South Iredell High School resigned her position, effective last Friday, after being arrested and charged with sexual activity with a student by a teacher and a single felony count of taking indecent liberties with a student.

Julianna Ortiz Mills, 37, was witnessed by a deputy to be with a male student in a car in an undeveloped residential area. The student, over the age of 16, is a pupil at South Iredell High School.

Even though the student is over the age of 16, it is still illegal for a teacher, or other school personnel, to have sexual relationships with the students in their care. The age of the student is not a factor.

According to reports, the witnessed act was not the first time the teacher and student had inappropriate contact. All incidents occurred in Iredell County, but none were on school property.

Mills, hired by the school district at the start of the 2013-2014 school year as an English teacher, was arrested and given a $10,000 secured bond. The school district is cooperating with the police investigation.

Teenagers Can Be Abused

Although most people think of small children being victimized when they hear talk of child abuse, it is important to remember that teenagers can be abused. When teenagers are involved in sexual relationships with adults, teachers or otherwise, it is a form of sexual abuse.

The teenage brain is not fully developed. Teenagers do not possess the ability to make rational decisions in the face of heightened emotions or stress. It is the responsibility of adults in authority to guide and shape teenagers. When a teacher pursues a sexual relationship with a teenager, there is little doubt that it can be considered abuse.

If you or someone you know has been or is the victim of child abuse, it is important that you understand your rights as they are provided in North Carolina. The experienced sexual abuse attorneys at Auger & Auger are here for you. We offer a confidential, free consultation, during which we will discuss your case.

Our compassionate staff is here for you. Call us today so that we can begin working on your case immediately.