A former Mississippi Teacher of the Year has been arrested on charges of sexual battery and enticement of a child after allegedly engaging in sexual conduct with a student while working at Ocean Springs Middle School. Olivia Marie Smith, 36, was taken into custody on Thursday following a tip that led to a police investigation.
Allegations and Charges
Smith, who was named Teacher of the Year in 2022 and recently promoted to assistant principal at Oak Park Elementary School, faces two felony charges: sexual battery and enticement of a child to meet for sexual purposes. Under Mississippi law, the sexual battery charge carries a potential prison sentence of up to 30 years due to her position of authority over the minor.
According to investigators, the Ocean Springs School District alerted the Ocean Springs Police Department and Mississippi Child Protective Services on June 20 after receiving information about alleged inappropriate conduct involving Smith.
School District Response
In a statement, the school district said it was “deeply saddened” by the allegations and acted immediately after receiving the report. “After being tipped off about potential inappropriate behavior taking place involving an employee, OSSD immediately notified OSPD and Mississippi Child Protective Services.” School officials also reassured the community that the matter was being treated seriously.
“We understand the gravity of this situation and the concern it may raise in our community. We want to reassure parents, students, and staff that we are addressing this matter with seriousness and diligence. The safety of our students and staff members remains our highest priority,” the statement read.
Legal Proceedings
A Jackson County Circuit Court judge set Smith’s bond at $50,000 for each charge, totaling $100,000. The investigation remains ongoing, and authorities have not released further details about the alleged victim or the timeline of the incidents.
Smith had been employed with the Ocean Springs School District since 2015. Her promotion to assistant principal at Oak Park Elementary was announced earlier this year. The district has placed her on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation.
