Florida Teacher Accused of Unlawful Sex with Student — Including in Her Classroom Hours Before Her Arrest

Authorities in Florida have arrested a high school teacher for allegedly “engaging in a sexual relationship with a student,” the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office announced in a news release.

Brooke Anderson, 27, is charged with three counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor, according to the release.

The male student told deputies that the relationship with Anderson allegedly began in September 2024 and that their last encounter occurred just hours before her arrest on May 16, when the pair allegedly had sex in her classroom, the release states.

Want to keep up with the latest crime coverage? Sign up for PEOPLE’s free True Crime newsletter for breaking crime news, ongoing trial coverage and details of intriguing unsolved cases.

Anderson is a science teacher at Riverview High School, according to a directory of public school educators in Hillsborough County, but her name was removed from that directory soon after her arrest.

In an interview with detectives, the student alleged the pair had initially exchanged explicit texts.

The student said that the “relationship escalated” in recent weeks and there had been “multiple instances of sexual activity,” according to the release.

Records show that Anderson was booked into jail by the HCSO on May 16 and released the following day after a judge set her bail at $45,000 — $15,000 for each of the three counts.

The charge of unlawful sexual activity with a minor is a second-degree felony in the state of Florida and punishable by up to 15 years in prison if Anderson is found guilty.

Anderson has yet to enter a plea and it’s unclear if she has an attorney.

“This teacher betrayed the trust of a student, a school, and an entire community,” said Sheriff Chad Chronister of the HCSO. “What should have been a safe, supportive environment for learning was exploited for abuse. Her actions are criminal, calculated, and deeply disturbing.”

If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.