A former substitute teacher in Indiana has been sentenced to two years in jail after pleading guilty to sending nude photographs of herself to a 14-year-old middle school student. Cassidy Carter, 21 at the time of the offense, entered her plea on one count of battery resulting in moderate bodily injury, according to WXIX.
Details of the case
Carter was originally charged with child solicitation, but Dearborn County Prosecutor Lynn Deddens said the charge was dropped after the victim moved out of the area and expressed a desire not to participate in the case. Carter received credit for two days already served in custody.
The incidents occurred while Carter worked as a substitute teacher for the South Dearborn Community School Corporation, specifically at South Dearborn Middle School from September to November 2023. During that time, she sent explicit images to the 14-year-old student through Snapchat, according to the criminal complaint.
Investigation and evidence
The teen told authorities that he became friends with Carter via Snapchat. During their online conversations, Carter sent him explicit photos of herself each time she took a shower, often late at night. She also allegedly told the boy she was in love with him and wanted to have sex with him.
Investigators recovered the photos from Carter's phone, along with numerous messages, prosecutors said. The student reported the incidents to a school resource officer in December 2023, who then informed the principal, as per court records.
Law enforcement reaction
Dearborn County Sheriff Shane McHenry commented on the case, saying, “Shocking, no. Alarming, yes. But the fact that they felt comfortable enough to tell an adult to bring this forward was an important part of this investigation.”
The case highlights ongoing concerns about educator misconduct and the use of social media to exploit minors. Carter's sentencing concludes a legal process that began with her arrest in early 2024.
