A health teacher in Colorado is facing serious criminal charges after allegedly engaging in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old student and then stalking him when he ended their inappropriate connection.
Teacher's Shocking Admission to Police
Teresa Whalin, a 28-year-old health educator at Ranch View Middle School in Highlands Ranch, Colorado, reportedly confessed to law enforcement about her sexual involvement with the teenage student. According to arrest documents obtained by the Denver Post, Whalin admitted to the sexual relationship, exchanging nude photographs with the minor, and creating fake phone numbers to contact him anonymously.
The disturbing relationship allegedly began in April 2023 and continued for over a year. The victim, who was struggling with mental health issues and self-harm, described their connection as "dating" to authorities. Their interactions included exchanging explicit Snapchat messages, going out for meals together, and spending private time in Whalin's classroom.
Stalking Behavior After Breakup
The situation escalated when the young student decided to cut off contact with his teacher. Court documents indicate that Whalin "struggled with the breakup" and began stalking the teenager. She allegedly drove around his neighborhood and appeared on his routes to and from school.
The stalking behavior became so concerning that the student felt compelled to change his daily routes and arrange rides with friends' families to avoid encounters with his former teacher. The fear and distress caused by Whalin's actions prompted the victim to disclose the sexual relationship to a school counselor on Monday, November 10.
Legal Consequences and School Response
Following the student's report to school authorities, Whalin was arrested the same day. She now faces multiple charges including sexual assault on a child by one in a position of trust, internet exploitation of a child, and stalking according to the Douglas County Sheriff's Office.
Whalin is currently being held at the Douglas County Detention Center with bond set at $50,000. The Douglas County School District, which has employed Whalin since July 2021, has placed her on administrative leave pending investigation.
In a letter sent to parents, Ranch View Middle School principal Erin Kyllo addressed the situation, stating: "We are working to find a long-term substitute teacher for our impacted students. In the meantime, the entire Ranch View Middle School administrative team will support our students and ensure learning continues."
During police interviews, Whalin reportedly justified her creation of fake phone numbers to contact the student by claiming she believed it would encourage the teenager to seek her help for his personal struggles.
