A high school teacher who is accused of starting an eight-month illicit relationship with one of her students had sex with the boy in her classroom just hours before she was arrested, authorities in Florida have said.

According to the NYP, Brooke Anderson, 27, faces three counts of unlawful sexual activity with a minor, the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office said in a news release.

Anderson, a science teacher at Riverview High School, southeast of Tampa, is accused of starting the relationship in September last year, the minor told investigators.

The relationship began with sexually explicit text messages and “escalated” in the weeks leading up to her arrest, according to the sheriff’s office.

On May 16, an incident reportedly occurred in Anderson’s classroom, where she allegedly engaged in sexual activity with a student before the start of the school day.

Investigators subsequently reported the matter, leading to Anderson’s booking by the Hillsborough County Sheriff’s Office.

She was released from jail on May 17 after a judge set her bail at $45,000, which was divided into $15,000 for each of the counts against her, according to People.com.

Hillsborough County Sheriff Chad Chronister emphasized the severity of the situation, stating, “This teacher betrayed the trust of a student, a school, and an entire community.

What should have been a safe, supportive environment for learning was exploited for abuse. Her actions are criminal, calculated, and deeply disturbing.”

In Florida, unlawful sexual activity with a minor is classified as a second-degree felony.

If convicted, Anderson could face up to 15 years in prison. As of now, she has not entered a plea, and it remains unclear whether she has legal representation.

Anderson had been employed with the Hillsborough County Public Schools since November 2021, where she taught Biology.

A spokesperson confirmed that she has been suspended pending termination and noted that she had passed all required screenings and background checks before her hiring.