Alabama substitute teacher, 30, Kristen Jade Ford, is arrested and ‘smiles’ in mug shot after she was charged in a ‘sex act’ with a student

A 30-year-old Alabama teacher smiled broadly in a mugshot after she was arrested last week for having a “sexual relationship” with a student.

Kristen Jade Ford was charged Friday by the Dekalb County Sheriff's Office with sexual acts with a student under the age of 19.

Ford worked as a substitute teacher for the DeKalb County School District. However, the name of the school where the illegal activity took place was not disclosed.

It also remains unclear how long Ford worked as a substitute teacher at the school.

Authorities began their investigation after complaints were received about inappropriate behavior between Ford and the minor.

DeKalb County Sheriff Nick Welden shared WHNT that “cases involving our children are never easy, but I am grateful for our investigative unit and their dedication in solving this case so quickly.

He added: 'our children are our future and protecting them is our first priority.'

Ford's Facebook page says she is “single.” One video shows a school basketball game in which she participated.

Other photos on her profile show small children, a few selfies taken in recent years, and a photo of her in a cheerleading uniform laughing with her peers, dating from 2010.

Few details are known about Ford's arrest, but when the DeKalb County Sheriff's Office posted her photo on their Facebook page, there was some comment.

One person asked: 'Why is she smiling?'

Another asked: 'Where do they find these people?

While another said, “I bet the Dekalb DA will lose the paperwork on this too, just like they did to someone else I just said,” they wrote.

“This is the fortress of Dekalb County, Alabama. We all know exactly how Dekalb works, just like the public prosecutor.'

The DeKalb County School District spokesperson was not available when DailyMail.com requested comment.