Former Teacher Faces New Charges for Alleged Sex with Students Wearing ‘Scream’ Masks
A former high school teacher in Indiana is facing a multitude of new charges related to child molestation, as prosecutors accuse her of orchestrating group sex involving middle and high school boys as young as 13 years old. The alleged incidents reportedly involved the students wearing ‘Scream’ masks. The new charges were revealed in court documents filed in Morgan County and obtained by TMZ, with the prosecutors claiming that a sixth victim has come forward.
According to County prosecutor Steven P. Sonnega, the accused teacher, Brittany Fortinberry, 31, will now be charged with an additional 24 felonies, bringing the total count to 29, including five Level 1 child molestation charges. The severity of these charges could potentially lead to lengthy prison sentences, with each Level 1 child molestation count carrying a penalty of 20 to 40 years.
The alleged crimes also include various other offences ranging from Level 4 to Level 6, with sentences varying from two-to-12 years to one-to-six years. These offences encompass sexual misconduct with a minor, dissemination of matter harmful to minors, performing sexual conduct in the presence of a minor, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor, as documented in court records.
Reports suggest that the accused teacher had been involved in similar incidents earlier this year, with five victims initially coming forward in March to report instances of sexual abuse. Shockingly, one of the victims revealed that during the illicit encounters, the boys had to wear ‘Scream’ masks and rotate them every 15 minutes, enduring hours of disturbing activities.
Fortinberry previously worked as a substitute teacher for the Metropolitan School District of Martinsville and was terminated on January 9, 2024. She had also been associated with Eminence High School in Morgan County, having taught some of the alleged victims. After leaving the high school in August 2024, the accused teacher has since faced legal troubles following the emergence of these allegations.
In a recent turn of events, Fortinberry’s husband filed for divorce in February, with the couple having tied the knot in late 2020. The accused teacher had already been arrested and charged earlier with counts of sexual misconduct, dissemination of harmful material to minors, and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Her trial is scheduled to commence on June 25, as indicated by court records.
The case has provoked shock and disbelief within the local community, prompting concerns about child safety and protection. The seriousness of the allegations underscores the critical importance of vigilance and reporting suspected cases of abuse. Authorities have urged individuals to contact the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline if they suspect any incidents of child abuse, ensuring that necessary steps are taken to safeguard vulnerable individuals.
As the legal proceedings unfold, the impacted community remains vigilant, seeking justice and accountability for the disturbing allegations brought against the former teacher. The repercussions of such heinous acts serve as a stark reminder of the imperative to uphold stringent child protection measures and ensure the safety and well-being of all children under educational care.