OMAHA, Nebraska – A substitute teacher from Omaha Public Schools is facing charges of sexual abuse of a student after being caught with a nude 17-year-old in the backseat of her vehicle. Erin Ward, 45, a substitute at Burke High School, was arrested after admitting to authorities that she was engaged in sexual activity with the student at the time of their discovery.
According to reports, deputies from the Douglas County Sheriff’s Office responded to a call about a suspicious vehicle parked on a dead-end road in the early hours of Saturday. Upon arrival, deputies found Ward and the student in the back of her Honda Pilot. The student attempted to flee in the vehicle but crashed a short distance away, abandoning the car with no clothes on and running off.
Ward was still in the backseat of the vehicle, putting her clothes back on, when authorities approached. The car involved in the incident belonged to Ward and her husband. Following the incident, the school district issued a statement announcing that Ward would not be allowed to return to work.
The Omaha World-Herald reported that Ward has been charged with sexual abuse by a school employee. The case has garnered attention for its concerning nature and the potential impact on the student involved. The incident has raised questions about safety protocols within the school system and the responsibilities of educators to maintain appropriate boundaries with students.
Authorities are continuing to investigate the circumstances surrounding the incident and any potential misconduct on the part of Ward. The case serves as a reminder of the important role that schools play in protecting the well-being of students and upholding ethical standards in education. As the legal process unfolds, the community will be looking for accountability and measures to prevent similar incidents from occurring in the future.