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A 31-year-old former substitute teacher for Martinsville Schools, Brittany Fortinberry, now faces a growing list of charges related to the alleged sexual abuse of her students, according to Times Now News. Court documents reveal she has been charged with 10 additional counts of child molestation, eight counts of disseminating matter harmful to minors, five counts of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, and one count of sexual misconduct with a minor.
Fortinberry's alleged actions first came under scrutiny on August 22, 2024, when she was investigated for molesting a 15-year-old student. This marked the beginning of a disturbing legal battle, with more survivors stepping forward following the initial investigation by the Department of Child Services.
Before her resignation on January 9, 2024, Fortinberry worked at Eminence High School, located at 6760 IN-42, Martinsville, IN 46151, where she reportedly taught several of her alleged victims. On October 24, 2023, during her time as a substitute teacher at Martinsville Schools, she was preliminarily charged with three counts of sexual misconduct with a minor, in addition to other charges related to endangering children.
Newly filed court documents from March 14 describe harrowing accounts from survivors. One victim reported being drugged with substances such as mushrooms, marijuana, and alcohol, which impaired their memory of events. Other allegations include forced participation in sexual activities and being made to wear masks during some of the abuse.
A woman, who claimed to have been friends with Fortinberry since 2022, provided further information to investigators. She described noticing inappropriate behavior, including Fortinberry giving expensive gifts to her child and later contacting them through Snapchat despite warnings to cease communication. The child told authorities they received explicit videos of Fortinberry, including footage of her using sex toys and engaging in sexual acts with others.
Another former student recounted a similarly disturbing experience, reporting that Fortinberry provided them with drugs and coerced them into watching her engage in sexual acts with another underage individual.
In addition to these allegations, Fortinberry is accused of paying students for explicit photos and threatening suicide if her actions were disclosed to authorities or parents. These accusations paint a deeply troubling picture of manipulation and exploitation.
The case continues to unfold as survivors come forward, prompting additional charges and intensifying calls for accountability.
Ex-Teacher Charged in Student Sex Abuse Case | Brittany Fortinberry
Survivors of alleged abuse by former Martinsville teacher Brittany Fortinberry face a difficult road ahead, but legal avenues are available to address the harm they have endured. In an interview, Indiana school abuse attorney Jeff Gibson of Wagner Reese shares valuable guidance on steps survivors and their families can take to hold perpetrators accountable and seek the support they need.
Editor Darla Medina: Jeff, thank you for speaking with us. Given the allegations against Brittany Fortinberry, what legal steps can survivors of such abuse take to seek accountability?
Attorney Jeff Gibson: Thank you for having me, Darla. Survivors in situations like this have both criminal and civil avenues available. On the criminal side, the state prosecutes the accused, and survivors often participate by providing testimony or evidence. On the civil side, survivors and their families can pursue lawsuits against the individual perpetrator and, in some cases, the institutions involved if negligence is found, such as failing to act on warning signs.
Medina: For those who were reportedly drugged during these incidents, does that complicate their ability to prove what happened?
Gibson: It can present challenges, but it doesn’t make justice impossible. Investigators often rely on corroborating evidence, such as witness statements, forensic analysis, or digital communications like messages or videos. The use of drugs to impair memory is considered an aggravating factor, further strengthening the case against the perpetrator.
Medina: What would you say to survivors or their families who might hesitate to come forward?
Gibson: It’s understandable to feel overwhelmed, but coming forward helps ensure accountability and prevents others from being harmed. There are legal protections in place to support survivors, including anonymity in certain cases. Consulting with an experienced attorney can provide clarity and guidance without pressuring the survivor to take immediate action.
If your child has been affected by abuse at the hands of a trusted educator, you don’t have to face this alone. Our team is here to provide compassionate support and guide you through your legal options. Contact us today for a free, confidential consultation to discuss how we can help protect your family’s rights and seek accountability.
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