Art Teacher Arrested For Alleged Sexual Relationship With Student

THOMPSON'S STATION, Tenn. - Williamson County Sheriff's deputies arrested an art teacher for allegedly having an inappropriate relationship with a female student.

Heather Thorsby, who teaches at Independence High School, was arrested at her parents' home Tuesday morning in Franklin.

Thorsby was in jail and charged with sexual battery by an authority figure.

Police said Thorsby and one of her art students became friends in December.

School officials found out about the relationship when a parent found text messages on the student's cell phone or computer.

Police said the inappropriate contact happened at and away from school.

"There's some indication that there may have been some activity between the two on the school grounds," said Williamson County Sheriff Ricky Headley. "That's something we're currently looking into."

Police said the relationship was consensual.

"The teacher admitted to the principal that there was an inappropriate relationship between her and this student," Headley said.

Thorsby is scheduled to appear in court Wednesday morning.

Headley said another female teacher at the same high school is also being investigated for a relationship with a student.