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By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing Editor

CALERA – The Calera Police Department has arrested Calera Elementary School kindergarten teacher Heather Ozment for allegedly committing sexual abuse in the first degree.

Ozment, age 49, has been indicted by a Shelby County Grand Jury on charges of sexual abuse in the first degree, sexual abuse in the second degree and enticing a child to enter a vehicle, house, etc. for immoral purposes. Ozment was booked into the Shelby County Jail on Friday, June 6 on a total bond of $45,000.

According to the Calera Police Department, the CPD was informed of allegations concerning inappropriate conduct by a local teacher involving teenagers. The incident was purported to have happened after school hours and did not occur at a school facility.

The Calera Police Department Detective Division initiated an investigation in collaboration with the Shelby County District Attorney’s Office. Shelby County Schools immediately placed Ozment on administrative leave after being informed of the investigation.

According to the indictment, Ozment allegedly engaged in sexual contact by forcible compulsion on or about April 4 while at an establishment away from school in the city of Calera. She allegedly engaged in sexual contact with another person who was less than 16 years old but more than 12 years old. Court documents indicated she purportedly enticed, allured, persuaded or invited a child to enter a bathroom for the purpose of a sexual act.

“Allegations involving sexual misconduct with minors must be investigated immediately, thoroughly and methodically,” Calera Chief of Police David Hyche said. “Nothing we do in law enforcement is more important than protecting the most vulnerable in our community. We are blessed in Shelby County to have Owens House as a partner to conduct forensic interviews and examinations with our juvenile victims.”

Ozment was named Calera Elementary School’s 2024 Teacher of the Year in December.

Those who may have any additional information on the case are encouraged to contact the Calera Police Department at 205-668-3505.