Hockersmith
A former Greenwood teacher has pleaded guilty to child seduction charges following an allegation he had an inappropriate relationship with a student.
Matthew M. Hockersmith, 41, pleaded guilty to three counts of child seduction, a Level 5 felony, before Johnson County Circuit Court Judge Andrew Roesener on Jan. 19. Hockersmith with initially charged with the Level 5 felonies in December 2021.
Per the terms of the plea agreement, prosecutors agreed to an open sentencing cap of three years, though the sentence could exceed it. All three counts would be served at the same time, and his sentence will ultimately be up to Roesener.
The investigation into Hockersmith began after Greenwood police received a tip in December 2021 alleging an inappropriate relationship between a student and teacher at Greenwood Community High School. Police spoke with the student’s parents and examined the student’s phone, according to a probable cause affidavit.
When police searched the student’s phone, they found explicit messages allegedly from Hockersmith, who was also a cross country coach at the high school, according to court documents.
Police spoke with the student and their parents, and the teen told police she and Hockersmith had allegedly begun a relationship in fall 2021, and things progressed quickly. The student told police they allegedly had sex three times, and Hockersmith allegedly sent nude photographs, court documents show.
Police interviewed and arrested Hockersmith at the high school. He told police he taught the student last school year, and regular communication with the student started this fall. He allegedly said he felt the emotions in the relationship were consensual. He also allegedly admitted to the sexual relationship, saying things got out of hand. He also allegedly admitted to sending the student nude photos, court documents show.
Police say Hockersmith told them he felt guilty about the relationship and knew it was wrong to have a relationship with a student. He allegedly told police he took responsibility for everything that happened, and that he cared for the student. Police also asked Hockersmith what the end goal of the relationship was, and he allegedly said he dreamed about different things, but declined to go into specifics, according to court documents.
Hockersmith was initially placed on immediate administrative leave pending an investigation by Greenwood police, Greenwood Community School Corp. Superintendent Terry Terhune said in 2021. The district had also started the process of terminating Hockersmith, he said.
In response to a request from the Daily Journal, Terhune said Wednesday that Hockersmith is no longer employed by Greenwood schools. He separated from employment effective Dec. 14, 2021 — the same day charges were filed.
Hockersmith remains out on a $9,900 bond. A sentencing hearing is set for March 9.
