Former Washington teacher admits sexual misconduct with high school minor

A former first-grade teacher in Washington State admitted to sexual misconduct involving a minor after appearing in court. Mackenzie Naught, 25, pleaded guilty to the charge and will remain in the Whitman County Jail until her sentencing on August 28, 2026.

People and The Spokesman-Review reported that the Whitman County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office confirmed the plea in a press release shared on Friday, July 10, 2026. Naught’s arrest occurred in May 2026 after her husband discovered text messages on her mobile phone. The husband contacted the police to report that Naught was engaging in sexual misconduct involving a minor after he confronted both Naught and the 16-year-old high school student.

According to the probable cause affidavit, the teenager told investigators that he communicated with Naught on Snapchat before picking her up in his truck. He drove her to a remote location, where they kissed and Naught initiated sexual activity. The teenager stated that he stopped the encounter because he felt uncomfortable and subsequently drove her back home. Police officers later corroborated the victim's account of the night using a tracking device.

Naught originally told investigators that she and the teenager had only kissed, but she later changed her statement and admitted they had sex. Following her arrest, Naught’s husband filed for divorce in June 2026. Under the terms of her plea, Naught faces a prison sentence of six to 12 months and will be required to register as a sex offender for 10 years. The court also implemented a five-year sexual assault protection order to safeguard the victim.

Senior Deputy Prosecutor Tessa Scholl stated that the guilty plea represents an important step in holding the defendant accountable and spares the victim the burden of testifying. Scholl added that the office remains fully committed to supporting the teenager and his family throughout the remainder of the judicial process.