A suspicious car parked on a dead end road at 3 a.m. raised suspicions among residents in a Douglas County, Nebraska, neighborhood. 

That was where police ultimately found an Omaha high school teacher, Erin Ward, “putting her clothes on in the back seat,” and a naked teenager running from the scene, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said.

The 45-year-old woman allegedly admitted to having sex with a 17-year-old student whom she met while working at Burke High School. 

Police found the teenager about an hour later wearing only boxers, a T-shirt and socks, according to the sheriff’s office, which arrested Ward and charged her with sexual abuse by a school employee.

DISTURBING VIDEO: FAMILY OF GRANDMOTHER ATTACKED ON CHURCH STEPS BLASTS LAWMAKERS FOR MAKING ‘CRIMINALS COMFORTABLE’

Erin Ward, a Nebraska substitute teacher, allegedly sexually abused a teenage student.

Erin Ward, a Nebraska substitute teacher, allegedly sexually abused a teenage student. (Douglas County Sheriff’s Office)

The felony charge carries a maximum 20-year prison sentence. The age of consent in Nebraska is 16, so she was not charged with statutory rape.

Burke High School principal Darren Rasmussen released a statement to the media after Ward’s arrest. 

TEACHER’S CHILDREN FOUND WITH SLAIN MOM AFTER ‘DISGUISED’ HUSBAND KIDNAPPED THEM: POLICE

“We are writing to share that law enforcement has arrested a metro-area substitute teacher for inappropriate conduct with a minor,” Rasmussen said in a statement. “The individual worked at Burke High several days during the 2023-24 school year. 

“They will not be returning to our school or any others in our district.”

Police in Douglas County, Nebraska, released this booking photo of Erin Ward

Police in Douglas County, Nebraska, released this booking photo of Erin Ward. (Douglas County Sheriff’s Office)

The arrest unfolded in the early morning hours on April 13. 

As officers approached the car, the teenager in the driver’s seat tried to drive off but crashed in a nearby yard and then took off on foot, the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office said. 

Ward and the teenager were taken to the hospital for minor injuries from the accident and questioned. 

VICTIM’S CAUSE OF DEATH IN 40-YEAR-OLD COLD CASE CHANGED SEVERAL TIMES, CASE LED TO SUICIDE AND TORE FAMILY APART

She remains in Douglas County jail, according to inmate records, where she is listed as “Eri” Ward. 

Ward is a married mother of three children, according to news reports.

Burke High School in Omaha Nebraska

Burke High School in Omaha, Nebraska. (Google Street View)

The investigation is ongoing, according to police. 

The sheriff’s office urges anyone with additional information about Ward to call 402-444-6000 or 911.

CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP

The school principal also said, as part of the statement to news outlets, “Our top priority is always the safety and well-being of the students we serve. We take this most seriously. Counselors will be available on Tuesday for students in need of support. If you are ever concerned about inappropriate behavior, please call Child Protective Services at 1-800-652-1999 or contact law enforcement.”

Read More: World News | Entertainment News | Celeb News
Fox News

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

You May Also Like

Hong Kong’s new security law comes into force amid human rights concerns

A new national security law has come into force in Hong Kong…

Helen Skelton told ‘I love you but’ as fans issue complaint minutes into her TV return

It’s springtime on the farm and Helen Skelton returned to TV tonight…

New types of mosquito bed nets could cut malaria risk by up to half, trial finds

Two new types of mosquito bed nets have been found to reduce…

Uber driver hits, kills 1-year-old after dropping family off in Houston

A 1-year-old girl died after being hit by an Uber driver who…