A middle school teacher from Panama City, Florida, has been arrested following allegations of engaging in a sexual relationship with a former student who is now 18 years old. Erica Matson, 36, faces felony charges after investigators uncovered evidence suggesting that she violated laws prohibiting authority figures from soliciting sexual conduct with students.

According to an arrest affidavit obtained by Law & Crime, the alleged relationship began in May 2023 when the then-18-year-old student approached Matson, who was reportedly crying alone in her classroom at Kaleidoscope School of Discovery. This innocent interaction reportedly escalated into flirtatious exchanges via social media platforms and text messages, culminating in secret meetings outside of school.

The affidavit indicates that Matson had been the student’s teacher in middle school, and although he was in high school at the time of the alleged incidents, the two schools are located in the same building, allowing for continued contact. Authorities noted that the student had the authority to report Matson’s behavior, raising questions about why he delayed reporting the situation.

Subsequent to their initial interactions, the two reportedly met at a local movie theater, where they engaged in physical affection while remaining in the vehicle. Investigators later learned that the relationship progressed, with the student visiting Matson’s home, where they allegedly had sexual encounters several times while he was still enrolled in school. Even after he graduated, the relationship purportedly continued.

The case has garnered significant attention due to the dynamics of the situation. Renowned predator catcher Chris Hansen highlighted the complexities of the case, noting that while the victim was legally an adult, the allegations center around the abuse of Matson’s position of authority as a teacher. Florida law specifically prohibits authority figures from engaging in sexual conduct with students, regardless of the student’s age. This statute aims to protect vulnerable individuals in educational environments.

On April 10, Matson was arrested and charged with engaging in sexual conduct as an authority figure with a student. Following her arrest, she was booked into the Bay County Jail and later released on a $25,000 bond. Notably, court records indicate Matson is representing herself in the matter, which raises concerns regarding her legal strategy as she prepares for an arraignment scheduled for May.

As the investigation continues, Kaleidoscope School of Discovery has remained largely silent regarding Matson’s employment status, although it is presumed that the school is conducting its own internal investigation into the allegations. The absence of a public statement from the school has surprised some observers, who expect educational institutions to proactively address such serious allegations to maintain trust among parents and students.

If convicted, Matson could face severe penalties, including up to 15 years in prison, as the charge is classified as a second-degree felony. Legal analysts suggest that the prosecution may seek to establish a precedent in this case, given the sensitive nature of teacher-student relationships and the importance of upholding the law regarding authority figures in educational settings.

As the court date approaches, the case serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges schools face in ensuring the safety and well-being of their students, as well as the necessity for stringent oversight of teacher conduct.