Special education teacher drove to meet teen student for sex multiple times, Palm Bay police say

June 24, 2026 - 19:58

Palm Bay police have arrested a special education teacher accused of driving to meet a 17-year-old former student for sex on multiple occasions. Authorities say Michelle Lynn Hancock was found with the teen inside a parked vehicle, and both individuals admitted to engaging in sexual activity.

According to investigators, the encounters did not happen just once. The teacher allegedly traveled to meet the minor several times over a period of weeks. Police were alerted after receiving a tip about the relationship. When officers located the parked car, they found Hancock and the 17-year-old together. During questioning, both reportedly confessed to the sexual acts.

Hancock worked as a special education teacher in Brevard County. The school district has placed her on administrative leave pending the outcome of the investigation. Officials have not released details on how the teacher and student initially connected outside of school hours.

The 17-year-old is no longer a student at the school where Hancock taught, but the age of consent in Florida is 18. Under state law, a teacher can face felony charges for sexual activity with a student even if the student is 16 or 17. Hancock now faces multiple counts of lewd or lascivious battery on a minor. She was booked into the Brevard County Jail and is being held without bond. The investigation remains ongoing, and police are asking anyone with additional information to come forward.