High school psychologist accused of engaging in sexual act with student

BEAUFORT COUNTY, SC (WCSC) - Officials with the Beaufort County Sheriff's Office say a high school psychologist is accused of engaging in a sexual act with a 16-year-old student.

Investigators arrested 29-year-old Megan Michelle Snipes and charged her with sexual battery of a student.

Authorities say the investigation began when the mother of a 16-year old Battery Creek High School student contacted investigators Thursday morning after discovering a series of communications on her phone between her son and an individual named Megan Snipes.

An incident report states that the mother recognized the name as that of the school's psychologist, whom her son had been regularly seeing. According to authorities, in light of the sexual tone of the conversations the mother found , she became concerned and contacted the sheriff's office.

Investigators say they immediately became involved, making contact with both the student and the suspect.

Authorities say it was confirmed during the course of the investigation that on Oct. 18, Snipes did engage in a sexual act with the victim in the area of Bob Jones Field on Jones Avenue in Beaufort.

At the time of the incident, the sheriff's office says Snipes was affiliated with a public secondary school in an official capacity as a psychologist for the Beaufort County School District.

Officials with the sheriff's office say the incident was reportedly consensual with no aggravated coercion or force.

Snipes was transported to the Beaufort County Detention Center. Authorities are continuing the investigation.

Anyone with information is asked to contact either Investigator Sgt. C. Wilson at 843-255-3409 or Crimestoppers.

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