INDIAN RIVER COUNTY — A 42-year-old former middle school athletic director was sentenced to 10 years in federal prison in connection with a 2024 case involving an inappropriate relationship with a student. The acts between the director – who coached at Sebastian River Middle School – and student lasted for about a year across multiple states during travel with the girls’ basketball team, according to sheriff’s officials.
Mia Johnson PHOTO CONTRIBUTED BY INDIAN RIVER COUNTY SHERIFF’S OFFICE
The judge handed down the sentencing Friday, June 5. The ex-employee – identified as Mia Johnson – will also serve 25 years of supervised release following the sentence.
“Every child in Indian River County deserves to feel safe at school,” Indian River County Sheriff Eric Flowers said in a statement. “Our detectives, working alongside the FBI, made sure this victim was heard and that Johnson was held accountable for her actions. We will never stop fighting to protect our kids.”
The case began two years ago when deputies received a report of an inappropriate relationship between a middle school athletic director and a student.
“Our detectives and school officials immediately launched an investigation that would ultimately span multiple states and result in federal criminal charges,” sheriff’s officials said in a statement.
After learning of the complaints, School District of Indian River County officials removed Johnson from the campus and terminated her employment. Detectives searched Johnson’s home, prompting her to leave for Kansas City, Missouri.
Indian River County deputies, along with FBI officials, arrested Johnson in Kansas City on federal charges of transportation of a minor with intent to engage in criminal sexual activity.
“We commend our detectives for their work, our federal partners at the FBI for their critical role in bringing Johnson to justice, and the School District of Indian River County for its cooperation throughout the investigation,” sheriff’s officials said. “The safety of every child in Indian River County remains our highest priority.”
