Tracy Smith: Married Florida principal arrested for molesting teen student who saw her as mother figure amid study sessions
Warning: This article contains recollection of child sexual abuse that may be triggering to some readers. Discretion is advised. If you or anyone you know suspects child abuse, you are urged to immediately call the Childhelp National Child Abuse Hotline at 1-800-4-A-Child or 1-800-422-4453, or go to www.childhelp.org. All calls are toll-free and confidential and the hotline is available 24/7 in more than 170 languages.
BROWARD COUNTY, FLORIDA: A married Florida principal who had been accused of sexually abusing a male pupil who he saw as a mother figure, has been officially charged. Tracy Smith, 43, the head of Coral Springs' Xceed Preparatory Academy, was arrested in the school's parking lot on Monday, April 17, 2023, for allegedly sexually abusing a 16-year-old student who studied in the 10th grade. The victim's identity has not been made public.
In October 2022, the accused, who is a married mother of three children, started helping the teen with his studies. He visited her office regularly for studies and exams and sometimes spent the entire day there. They formed a close personal relationship and discussed their family issues. Gradually, their relationship extended beyond the boundaries of the classroom and they started communicating intimately through iMessage and Snapchat.
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Smith's predatory behavior progressed to unwanted touching
According to an arrest report obtained by Daily Mail, Smith made a comment to the teen about oral sex during one of their conversations. The two also shared pictures, in which the teenager was shirtless while Smith was dressed. According to the allegations, Smith's allegedly predatory behavior quickly progressed to unwanted touching. The teen complained about Smith to the school's authorities on Thursday, April 13, telling them that the principal "crossed the line."
The teen revealed to investigators that he considered Smith as a maternal figure and initially found her touch comforting. However, Smith's actions escalated from touching his leg with hers to touching his leg with her hand. The report also stated that the teen admitted to returning her advances by touching her back at one point.
The report mentioned that the teen informed the police that he started feeling uneasy with the situation after their daily study sessions continued for months. His academic performance began to deteriorate as Smith was no longer helping him with his schoolwork. Consequently, he stopped contact with Smith before reporting her to the authorities.
Smith has been charged with sexual misconduct by an authority figure
According to NBC6 Miami, Smith was granted a $25,000 bond during a court hearing on Tuesday, April 18. As a condition of her bond, she was instructed to refrain from communicating with the victim, visiting the school, or having contact with minors other than her family members. Broward jail records indicate that the former principal is now facing a charge of soliciting and participating in sexual conduct by an individual in a position of authority.
A representative from the school has released a statement expressing their surprise and dismay regarding the accusations made against Smith. The statement also verified that Smith's employment had been terminated. "The allegations resulting in Ms Smith's arrest yesterday came as a complete shock to everyone at the school," the statement read. "The school and its staff will cooperate with law-enforcement in every way possible. A safe learning environment is paramount at XCEED – with no exceptions."