A former Indiana teacher is facing severe allegations as Brittany Fortinberry, 31, has been accused of sexually abusing young boys, some as young as 13, and coercing them into group sexual acts while wearing masks from the horror film series Scream. This disturbing narrative unfolded as five new victims came forward in March 2025, bringing forth claims that paint a picture of manipulation, abuse, and psychological terror.
Fortinberry, previously a math teacher at Eminence High School and a substitute for Martinsville Schools, allegedly engaged in illicit activities with her students during the 2024 school year. According to court documents revealed by WTHR, the horrifying details include instances where she would invite boys to her home and provide drugs, allegedly coercing them into sex acts. One victim described how she forced them to wear Ghostface masks from Scream during these encounters, further showcasing the bizarre nature of her alleged abuse.
The accusations initially surfaced during an investigation initiated in August 2024, when a concerned relative reported suspicious behavior involving a 15-year-old boy who had been in contact with Fortinberry. Following this, the situation escalated dramatically as more boys stepped forward to detail their experiences. It was alleged that Fortinberry threatened to take her own life if her victims disclosed her actions, employing manipulation tactics designed to keep them silent.
Reports indicate that Fortinberry spent upwards of $600 on gifts for the boys before orchestrating sexual encounters, an act she reportedly justified by saying, "If someone reports I'll...," using emotional and psychological manipulation to instill fear. Some boys were incentivized with payments ranging from $100 to $800 for explicit photographs, adding a disturbing layer of financial coercion to the already traumatizing interactions.
In the wake of these revelations, legal actions have intensified. Prosecutors filed motions on March 18, 2025, to add onto the existing charges against Fortinberry, now totaling 10 counts of child molestation, alongside multiple counts of disseminating harmful material to minors and contributing to their delinquency. Previously, in February, she faced three counts of sexual misconduct, but as further details emerged, the scope of her alleged crimes grew significantly.
Additionally, there are allegations that Fortinberry's husband, Nicholas Fortinberry, was aware of her actions. A parent reported that he had threatened one of the boys, allegedly saying he would “slaughter” him if he dared to speak out. This complicity raises serious questions about the environment in which the abuse occurred and whether it was enabled by those closest to the perpetrator.
The investigation into Fortinberry's activities has unmasked a culture of fear among the victims, who had previously felt unable to come forward due to threats and manipulation. One victim recounted that Fortinberry made him bring other boys over, where drugs were provided before the abuse took place. In chilling testimony, he noted that she would often put her own children to bed before engaging in sexual activities with the boys.
Furthermore, messages exchanged on platforms like Snapchat and an app called Session revealed explicit content sent by Fortinberry to her victims. These communications, combined with physical evidence obtained from her home, including sex toys and a stripper pole, paint a stark picture of the teacher's misconduct and exploitation.
Fortinberry's charges not only reflect individual acts of abuse but also highlight broader societal issues regarding the safety of minors in educational environments. The presence of such manipulation and coercion in a place where trust should be paramount raises profound concerns about systemic failures in safeguarding students.
As the case unfolds, the public reaction has been one of horror and disbelief. Many are now calling for stricter regulations and better training for teachers to identify and prevent similar abuses. It has become evident that community vigilance is crucial in protecting the most vulnerable members of society.
In conclusion, Brittany Fortinberry's case serves as a sobering reminder of the responsibilities educators hold in shaping young lives positively, rather than exploiting them. The ongoing legal process will not only seek justice for the victims but will also serve to ensure that such egregious breaches of trust do not happen again. The court's determination of Fortinberry's fate will be closely watched as it aims to provide accountability and perhaps some measure of solace for those affected by her actions.
