A 28-year-old teacher, Teresa Whalin, is accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old student and subsequently harassing him after their breakup. The alleged misconduct involved the exchange of explicit photos and creating fake phone numbers to contact the student.
The student reportedly experienced mental health difficulties following the initiation of the relationship in April 2023. According to an affidavit, the student described their interactions as “dating,” involving communication through Snapchat, dining together, and spending time in the teacher’s classroom.
After the student ended contact with Whalin, she allegedly began stalking him, citing difficulties coping with the separation. The teacher purportedly visited the student’s residence and appeared along his school route in Denver, Colorado. Upon the student disclosing the inappropriate relationship to a school counselor, the police were informed, leading to Whalin’s arrest on the same day.
During police questioning, Whalin reportedly confessed to the sexual relationship, sharing nude images, and fabricating phone numbers to reach the student anonymously. She believed this would prompt the teenager to seek her assistance.
Whalin faces charges of sexual assault on a child in a position of trust, internet exploitation of a child, and stalking. She is currently detained at the Douglas County Detention Centre on a $50,000 bond. The Douglas County Sheriff’s Office confirmed that Whalin has been employed by the Douglas County School District since July 2021, with her placed on administrative leave pending investigation cooperation.
The incident remains under investigation for further developments and details.
