A 36-year-old 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 faces felony charges after police uncovered evidence suggesting that the relationship extended beyond mere flirtation and included intimate encounters.

According to a detailed arrest affidavit, the alleged relationship began in May 2023 when the student discovered Matson crying alone in her classroom at the Kaleidoscope School of Discovery. Following this emotional moment, the two reportedly began exchanging flirtatious messages on social media, which eventually led to secret meetings outside of school.

Despite the student being legally an adult at 18, Florida law prohibits teachers from engaging in sexual conduct with their students, regardless of age. The statute defines an authority figure as anyone employed by a school, underscoring the legal implications of the alleged relationship.

Investigators have indicated that the nature of their interactions escalated quickly, with the pair reportedly meeting at a local movie theater where they spent time in a vehicle, engaging in physical affection. Furthermore, the affidavit claims that these encounters led to sexual activity occurring at Matson’s home, with multiple incidents reported before the student graduated.

The situation took a more serious turn when the student provided police with digital evidence, including explicit photos and texts exchanged between him and Matson. This evidence is considered pivotal in the ongoing investigation and prosecution.

The school principal has confirmed that the student would have had the authority to report Matson’s conduct while still enrolled in school. This raises questions about the delay in reporting, with experts suggesting that the dynamics of the relationship may have complicated the student’s willingness to come forward.

Matson was arrested on April 10, 2023, and subsequently booked into the Bay County Jail, where she posted a bond of $25,000. Notably, she has chosen to represent herself in court, a decision that raises concerns regarding her legal strategy as she prepares for an arraignment scheduled for May.

A no-contact order has been issued against Matson, preventing her from communicating with the alleged victim or being within 500 feet of him. Legal experts have noted that violations of such orders can lead to severe consequences.

As the case unfolds, the Kaleidoscope School of Discovery has yet to release a public statement regarding Matson’s arrest, leading to speculation about the school’s internal investigation processes. Authorities are expected to conduct a thorough review not only of Matson’s actions but also of hiring practices to prevent future incidents.

If convicted, Matson faces serious penalties, including a possible sentence of up to 15 years in prison, as the charge falls under Florida’s second-degree felony statutes. The legal proceedings are anticipated to serve as a critical reminder of the responsibilities educators hold in safeguarding their students’ well-being.