GREENWOOD, Ind. — A 40-year-old Greenwood High School teacher and coach is charged with three counts of child seduction.
Police arrested Matthew Hockersmith on Monday. The charges stem from an alleged inappropriate relationship with a female student at the school.
According to court documents, an investigation began on Dec. 1. In messages reviewed by police, Hockersmith and the student discuss having sex and referring to each other as husband and wife.
While interviewing the student, she claimed they had sex in his minivan and at his home. She also said they exchanged nude photos. She also told investigators that she and Hockersmith would make out at school.
“Our top priority is to protect our community, and especially our children. The strong relationship that we share with the Greenwood Community Schools, and the Johnson County Prosecutors Office helped to facilitate a swift and efficient investigative process,” said Chief James Ison, Greenwood Police Department.
After interviewing the student, police spoke with Hockersmith. He allegedly told them the inappropriate messages between the two began in September. Court documents show Hockersmith also admitted to investigators that he had sex with the student and that they exchanged nude photos.
"Keeping our children safe from adults who would seek to exploit the nature of the relationship they have with those children is something my office takes very seriously. I appreciate the swift action of the Greenwood Police and the high school in getting this matter to us. We look forward to presenting the evidence supporting these allegations in court in the future,” said Joe Villanueva, Johnson County prosecutor.
Greenwood Community School Corporation also released a statement on the investigation:
Yesterday, Greenwood Community School Corporation was deeply disturbed by information and allegations presented to us by the Greenwood Police Department regarding a school employee. In response, the district took immediate action by placing the employee on leave. As of today, the school initiated the process of terminating the employee’s contract. Counselors have been made available to students and staff.
We will continue working with Greenwood Police Department and are appreciative of our partnership.
Hockersmith has already posted bond and has been released from jail. He faces one to six years in prison and a fine up to $10,000.
13News checked for any criminal history for Hockersmith and found no incidents in Indiana.