News Summary
Victoria Montgomery, a dance teacher at Hilton Head Island High School, was arrested for sexual battery involving an 18-year-old student. Following allegations of an inappropriate relationship, Montgomery is on paid administrative leave while an investigation occurs. The school district is cooperating with legal authorities as they address the serious nature of these allegations.
Hilton Head Island, SC – Victoria Montgomery, a 32-year-old dance teacher at Hilton Head Island High School, was arrested for sexual battery of a student by the Beaufort County Sheriff’s Office on May 2, 2025. The charges stem from allegations of an inappropriate relationship with an 18-year-old student in which sexual intercourse reportedly occurred on April 16, 2025.
Montgomery faces a serious felony charge that could result in a prison sentence of up to five years under state law. Given the nature of the allegations, which involve a student aged 18 or older where she had direct supervisory authority, the situation is being treated with utmost concern by local authorities and school officials alike.
Following the report of the allegations on April 30, the school administration promptly notified law enforcement, leading to Montgomery’s arrest. She is currently on paid administrative leave as the school conducts its own internal investigation. Additionally, she has been released on a personal recognizance bond set at $25,000. A judicial order mandates that Montgomery maintain a distance of 1,000 feet from the student in question and prohibits any direct contact.
In response to the situation, Principal Steven Schidrich communicated with parents via email, reassuring them that the classes previously taught by Montgomery would be managed by a substitute teacher or another qualified educator. The Beaufort County School District has emphasized that they take the allegations seriously and are fully cooperating with the ongoing investigation led by law enforcement.
Montgomery began her employment with the Beaufort County School District in August 2021 and taught in the Visual and Performing Arts Department, where she was responsible for dance instruction. The allegations of misconduct appear to have surfaced after an internal review or complaints that prompted school officials to act swiftly.
As the investigation continues, both the sheriff’s office and the school district are diligently working to uncover the full details surrounding Montgomery’s conduct. This incident has garnered attention due to the serious nature of the allegations and the position of trust maintained by educators in relation to their students.
The community is now left to grapple with the implications of this situation as the legal processes unfold. Stakeholders within the education system aim to ensure the safety and well-being of all students while upholding the integrity of the school environment.
The Beaufort County School District has historically maintained protocols to address any allegations of misconduct among its staff, reaffirming its commitment to a safe educational setting. As developments arise in this case, further updates from legal authorities and the school district are anticipated.
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Additional Resources
- Live 5 News
- Wikipedia: Sexual Abuse of Students
- Post and Courier
- Google Search: Victoria Montgomery Teacher Arrest
- WJCL
- Google Scholar: Teacher Student Sexual Misconduct
- WSAV
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Teacher Student Relationship
- Island Packet
- Google News: Hilton Head High School Teacher Investigation
Author: STAFF HERE HILTON HEAD
The HILTON HEAD STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HEREHiltonHead.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Hilton Head Island, Beaufort County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the RBC Heritage golf tournament, Hilton Head Island Wine & Food Festival, and the Gullah Celebration. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Hilton Head Island-Bluffton Chamber of Commerce and Community Foundation of the Lowcountry, plus leading businesses in tourism and hospitality that power the local economy such as Sea Pines Resort and Sonesta Resort Hilton Head Island. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAiken.com, HEREBeaufort.com, HEREChapin.com, HERECharleston.com, HEREClinton.com, HEREColumbia.com, HEREGeorgetown.com, HEREGreenwood.com, HEREGreenville.com, HEREHiltonHead.com, HEREIrmo.com, HEREMyrtleBeach.com, HERENewberry.com, HERERockHill.com, and HERESpartanburg.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into South Carolina's dynamic landscape.
