(Harlan, Iowa) – A former Harlan Community School District “teacher associate” is facing charges in two separate felony cases. KETV in Omaha reports investigators said 35-year-old Ashley Cibic is accused of having a relationship with a student and buying prescription drugs from an undercover officer. A criminal complaint alleges Cibic had a relationship with an 18-year-old student. The complaint states the student confirmed the relationship to investigators and alleges that deputies found pictures of Cibic and the student in bed.

Then in October, the Shelby County Sheriff’s Office said Cibic bought hydrocodone, a prescription opioid, from an undercover deputy. Investigators said Cibic left her 13-year-old autistic son home alone to go make the purchase.

The woman is charged with: Sexual Exploitation by a school employee (a Class-D Felony); A controlled substance violation (Class-C Felony); Child Endangerment; and two counts of Unlawful possession of prescription medication. Her arraignment is set for Dec. 19th, with a pre-trial conference scheduled for January 23rd. Cibic’s trial is set for February 7, 2023.

In a letter to parents, the district said Cibic was a teacher associate at the high school. It said she was placed on leave after her arrest and fired once charges were filed. The district said the relationship with the student did not happen during school hours or on school property.