An Alabama kindergarten “Teacher of the Year” was arrested Friday morning on sex charges involving local teenagers.

Heather Ozment, 49, who works at Calera Elementary School, is accused of first and second-degree sexual abuse, as well as enticing a child into a vehicle or house for immoral reasons.

The Calera Police Department reported that the alleged incidents took place after school hours, and they did not involve school premises or Ozment’s students. 

Heather Ozment was arrested Friday morning on sex charges involving local teenagers. (Shelby County Jail)

Hyche mentioned that Owens House, a non-profit focused on children’s advocacy, collaborated with the police to carry out forensic interviews and assessments of the juvenile victims. 

Shelby County Schools officials said they were made aware of the allegations in April. It is unclear when the alleged crimes took place. 

“The teacher was immediately put on leave for the remainder of the school year while the matter was investigated by local law enforcement,” according to a school statement provided to AL.com.

A Calera Police Department vehicle outside the police department.  (Calera Police Department)

“The alleged conduct occurred after school hours and did not take place at a school facility. We are unable to provide more information as it is an employee matter.”

According to the Shelby County Jail, Ozment was booked into the facility on Friday and released on the same day.