A Mississippi special education teacher faces felony charges after being caught making out with her underage student in a Taco Bell parking lot, even after resigning from her position amid initial allegations of inappropriate contact.

At a Glance

• Natalia Wright, 31, was charged with “fondling by person of position of trust” after allegedly kissing an underage special education student.
• Wright resigned from Lewisburg High School on April 3 over inappropriate contact allegations but was spotted with the student afterward.
• Witnesses observed Wright and the student “making out” at various locations, including a Taco Bell parking lot and a church.
• Wright’s husband obtained footage and audio of her admitting to these acts with the student.
• She was released on a $200,000 bond with conditions including an ankle monitor and is scheduled to appear in court on June 6.

Teacher Caught With Student After Resignation

Natalia Wright, a 31-year-old former special education teacher at Lewisburg High School in Olive Branch, Mississippi, was arrested on May 12 after multiple witnesses reported seeing her engaging in inappropriate physical contact with an underage student. The incidents reportedly occurred at several locations, including a Taco Bell parking lot and a church. Despite having already resigned from her teaching position on April 3 due to allegations of inappropriate contact with the same student, Wright continued to meet with the minor after her departure from the school.

According to law enforcement documents, Wright had been serving as the student’s tutor when the inappropriate relationship developed. The investigation intensified after reports surfaced about the continued contact between Wright and the student following her resignation. Local residents expressed shock at Wright’s behavior, particularly her decision to meet with the student in public places after already facing accusations.

Details From The Investigation

The arrest affidavit states that Wright “unlawfully touched a child under 18 with her mouth,” resulting in a felony charge of fondling by a person in a position of trust. The allegations specifically involve a special education student under the age of 18. According to police reports, Wright’s husband provided crucial evidence in the case, including footage and audio recordings in which she allegedly admitted to the inappropriate behavior with the student.

“You knew you were going to get caught sooner or later,” said Shirley Hendrix, a local resident quoted in reports about the case. “So why would you jeopardize your job?”

The court documents described the touching as being for the “purpose of gratifying the licentious sexual desires” of Wright. These details have raised concerns within the community about the safety of vulnerable students and the screening processes for educators working with special needs children. DeSoto County Schools has not yet issued a public statement regarding the matter, leaving many parents with unanswered questions about the school’s response to the initial allegations.

Legal Proceedings Underway

Wright was charged with “fondling by person of position of trust,” a serious felony offense in Mississippi that carries significant penalties due to the teacher’s position of authority over the student. After her May 12 arrest, she was held briefly before being released on a $200,000 bond. The court imposed several strict conditions on her release, including wearing an ankle monitor and a no-contact order prohibiting any communication with the victim.

“Making out” with the student is specifically described in police and court documents, with multiple witnesses reporting having seen Wright and the student engaged in inappropriate physical contact in public places.

Wright is scheduled to make her first court appearance on June 6, where she will face formal proceedings related to the charges. The case has drawn significant attention in the community, particularly due to the vulnerable status of the student involved and Wright’s position as a special education teacher entrusted with the care of children with special needs. If convicted, Wright could face substantial prison time and permanent loss of her teaching credentials.