A high school teacher in Hernando County was arrested Thursday on charges of engaging in sexual activity with a minor.

  • Hernando teacher charged for inappropriate relationship with student
  • Valerie Valvo had sexual relations with 17-year-old
  • Both admitted to inappropriate activity, said it was consensual

Valerie Valvo, 34, is a teacher at Central High School in Brooksville. Investigators said they recently discovered she was involved in an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old student. 

Many parents were disturbed to hear what was going on. 

"These young kids, especially high school with their hormones raging, these teachers should have morals, they should be thinking that they're somebody's kid," said parent Steve Wilmot.

During an interview with the student, detectives said the teen admitted he had engaged in sexual relations with Valvo at least three times at her home in Spring Hill.

Valvo later admitted, post-Miranda, to having relations with the student up to six times. 

Detectives said both parties advised the relationship was consensual and admitted to using both marijuana and alcohol while at Valvo’s home.

"It is very, you can say scary, that it's so close to home, said grandparent Elaine Nunes. 

Although parents were upset about what took place, they also weren't all surprised. 

"The violence, the sexual stuff with the kids, it's everywhere. We don't have that teacher thankfully, so I don't have to worry about that," said parent Michelle Humphrey. 

Valvo has worked at the district for three years as an art teacher. She has been suspended with pay.

She is also charged with unlawful sexual activity with a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor. Her bond is set at $15,000.

The incident remains under investigation.