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GREENSBORO — Police charged a former Weaver Academy drama teacher Wednesday with having a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student.

Leanne Elizabeth Macklin, 26, of 4519 Lawndale Drive, Apartment N, is accused of having oral sex several times with a male student at her apartment, according to court records.

The alleged incidents occurred between July 2007 and November 2007, according to court documents.

Macklin turned herself in at the Guilford County Magistrate’s office, police said.

She was charged with five felony counts of sexual activity with a student by a teacher and was released after posting a $25,000 bond, according to officials at the Guilford County jail. 

Attempts to reach Macklin and the student’s family for comment were unsuccessful Wednesday.

The News & Record does not name victims of sexual assault.

The police investigation began July 1 when the student’s parents told investigators that they believed their son was having an inappropriate relationship with a teacher, according to court documents.

The student’s parents also had letters from Macklin to their son containing statements such as, “You made me feel needed and trusted and loved,” according to a search warrant application returned July 11. Macklin allegedly told the student she wrote about him in her journal, the document states.

Investigators seized documents, cards, IDs and a 2008 yearbook from Macklin’s apartment, the search application said.

Police said Macklin is suspected of having sex with only one student at this time.

Macklin was hired by Guilford County Schools in August 2005 and resigned in June.

In a statement released late Wednesday, the school system said officials remain committed to the safety and welfare of all students.

“The district continues to conduct mandatory criminal background checks on all incoming employees,” the statement said. “In addition, criminal background checks will be conducted on all district employees.”

The case remains under investigation.

Police ask anyone with information to call the Criminal Investigation Division at 373-2255 or Crime Stoppers at 373-1000. Crime Stoppers callers can remain anonymous.

Staff Writer Jennifer Fernandez contributed to this report.

Contact Ryan Seals at 373-7077 or ryan.seals@news-record.com