A former Georgia high school teacher and administrator has been arrested after authorities alleged she had an inappropriate sexual relationship with a teenage boy she reportedly called her “boyfriend” and asked to run away with her to Mexico. Amanda Katz, 55, who formerly worked at Roswell High School, was arrested on Tuesday, June 2, and charged with improper sexual contact with a minor.
According to an affidavit cited by the New York Post, the victim told investigators that he had unprotected sex with Katz multiple times. He said much of the alleged activity took place at her home and in the backseat of her Jaguar. The relationship allegedly continued for months and included a large volume of text messages exchanged between Christmas and Valentine’s Day, totaling 19,585 messages, police said.
Investigators said the case came to light during a family vacation over Valentine’s Day, when the boy’s mother discovered disturbing text messages that suggested her son had been involved with Katz. After the family left the trip early, Katz reportedly returned to work in an emotional and unstable state. Coworkers allegedly heard her say she was upset because she could no longer see her “boyfriend” after his mother disapproved. Police said it later became clear that she was referring to the juvenile.
The affidavit described messages in which Katz allegedly told the boy that she loved falling asleep beside him, wanted him, and was unsure they could keep their relationship hidden. In another alleged message, she said she was “crazy about you” and admitted to making many mistakes. She also allegedly told him the sex was “fun” and that she would leave everything behind to be with him. One message reportedly said the easiest option would be to leave Roswell.
Police also said Katz texted the boy after his mother learned of the relationship, telling him she loved him and calling the situation “the most f***** up and scary thing” she had ever experienced. She allegedly accused him of breaking her heart and said he abandoned her, rather than his mother. The boy told investigators that Katz wanted the relationship to become more serious, including living together and making a long-term commitment. He said she also suggested moving to Mexico, although he did not want to go.
Katz was placed on leave when the allegations first surfaced and officially resigned from her position on April 30. She was released from custody on Thursday, June 4, after posting a $25,000 bond. It was not immediately clear whether she had entered a plea or retained an attorney. The Fulton County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
