Tom GantertHialeah, FL – Hialeah Middle School’s 2017 “rookie teacher of the year” was arrested last week for engaging in a sexual relationship with one of her former students.
The investigation into Brittiny Lopez-Murray began after the 14-year-old former student’s sister became suspicious of her brother’s behavior on the phone, the Miami Herald reported.
The sister found explicit text messages and photos between Lopez-Murray and her brother on his phone that detailed how much they enjoyed having sex with each other.
The boy’s father also found nude photos of Lopez-Murray on his son’s phone, according to the New York Post.
The police said the student told them that the teacher initially sent him a text telling him about her feelings for him.
The two had sex multiple times in her car including in the parking lot of a mall and a supermarket, the Miami Herald reported.
Lopez-Murray would pick up the student after basketball practice, according to police.
Police said that Lopez-Murray, who was married in 2016, began the relationship with the former student in August, the Miami Herald reported.
The 31-year-old drama teacher was named “rookie teacher of the year” in 2017 and the Miami-Dade school district said she had no prior disciplinary history.
She was arrested on Oct. 4 on charges of lewd and lascivious battery, molestation, and engaging in a sexual act with a child, according to the Miami Herald.
Lopez-Murray posted a $185,000 bond but was still being held in jail as of Tuesday.
The Miami-Dade school district released a statement that said it was “saddened and disappointed” over the serious allegations against the popular drama teacher, the Miami Herald reported.
Lopez-Murray’s defense attorney Landon Ray said he hadn’t yet seen the arrest report.
“She is presumed innocent until proven guilty,” Ray told the Miami Herald. “We hope everyone is patient, doesn’t rush to judgment and respects the family’s privacy.”
Holly Matkin
