A Calhoun County high school teacher has been arrested amid accusations she has been involved in a sexual relationship with a student since last year.

Stephanie Henry Pruett, 28, was taken into custody Thursday, said Sheriff Matthew Wade. She is charged with engaging in a sexual act with a student. According to the Weaver High School website, Pruett teaches history to sophomores and juniors, as well as a Bible-as-literature class.

The sheriff said they received information on Thursday that Pruett, who is married with a child, had been sexually involved with a 17-year-old boy since October 2017. He said investigators spoke with Pruett and the student, both of whom provided enough facts to lead to formal charges.

Stephanie Pruett

Pruett was taken from the sheriff's office to the Calhoun County Jail. Her bond has not yet been set.

The charge against Pruett is a Class B felony. If convicted, she would face up to 20 years in prison and be required to register as a sex offender. She is on leave with pay.

Pruett is from Jacksonville and previously taught at Jacksonville State University in the Department of Academic Enhancement as an academic mentor for the athletic department, according to her biography. This is her first year at Weaver High School.

"It's sad that a woman who has a family and went to college to become an educator is giving that all up,'' Wade said. "I just don't understand why she went down that path. It's very disturbing and troubling."