A 28-year-old teacher, Teresa Whalin, is accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old student and subsequently stalking him post their breakup. The alleged incidents include exchanging explicit photos and creating fake phone numbers to contact the minor.
The student reportedly experienced mental health issues following the illicit relationship that commenced in April 2023. According to an affidavit, the student referred to their interactions as “dating,” involving communication via Snapchat, dining out together, and spending time in the teacher’s classroom.
After the student cut off communication, Whalin allegedly began stalking him, appearing at his residence and along his route home from school in Denver, Colorado. The student disclosed the situation to a school counselor on Monday, leading to Whalin’s arrest on the same day.
During police questioning, Whalin supposedly confessed to the sexual relationship, sharing nude images, and using fake numbers to contact the student anonymously. She believed this approach would prompt the teen to seek her assistance.
Whalin faces charges of sexual assault on a child by a person in a position of trust, internet exploitation of a child, and stalking. She is currently held on a $50,000 (£37,907) bond at the Douglas County Detention Centre. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed Whalin’s employment with the district since July 2021, stating that she is on administrative leave while the investigation continues.
The investigation into the matter is ongoing.