A teacher is facing serious allegations after reportedly bringing a homeless student, who viewed her as a mother figure, into her home in Florida. Authorities say Mackenzie MacLean, 49, abused the 18-year-old student multiple times over two months beginning in March 2024. Arrest records reveal she was taken into custody on Tuesday.
After establishing a relationship with the student, MacLean allegedly provided him with numerous shots of gin while they played video games with her daughter, as outlined in the arrest affidavit.
At one point, the student was described as becoming “severely intoxicated,” and MacLean is accused of telling him to leave the room before committing the assaults after he had been asked to leave the house.
The student lived with MacLean for about nine months, and according to court documents, he often tried to express that her actions were wrong. Just two months shy of his graduation, he began staying over, and they reportedly shared a bed and commuted together to school.
He told police that he felt he had no option but to endure the abuse, fearing he would be left without shelter or food. Additionally, a 16-year-old female student came forward, claiming MacLean had provided illegal substances to her and her peers, including alcohol, marijuana gummies, and Adderall. Upon the male student’s departure in December 2024, the teacher allegedly reacted violently, screaming and self-harming.
MacLean, who had dedicated nearly 25 years to teaching in Seminole County Public Schools, was placed on administrative leave following her arrest. She taught subjects such as history, government, and economics.
The school district issued a statement emphasizing their seriousness when it comes to misconduct allegations, assuring that the safety of students and staff is their highest priority.
Facing two counts of sexual battery by an authority figure and one count of distributing a controlled substance, MacLean is currently held on a $35,000 bail and awaits a court appearance scheduled for March 31st.
