An Indiana middle school teacher has been sentenced to two years of home detention, with four years on probation after her sexual 'tryst' with a 15 year old boy. The woman, 36, who taught at an alternative school, must also register as a sex offender. From The Indianapolis Star:
The 15-year-old boy's foster parents noticed improved study skills, better behavior and a more positive attitude during the few months he worked with Sheila Vasquez.
But in May, the discovery of a field trip to the Warren Township schoolteacher's home for a tryst brought an end to Vasquez's career and landed her in jail.
Friday, she was sentenced to two years on home detention and four years on probation for sexual misconduct with a minor. The offense requires registration as a sex offender.
She could have faced up to eight years in prison under her plea agreement. But in meting out a six-year sentence, Marion Superior Court Commissioner Stan Kroh noted her blank criminal history, remorse and responsibility for three young children.
The last four years will be spent on sex offender probation. Kroh recommended she continue with counseling.
Vasquez, 36, taught eighth grade at the Renaissance School, 8931 E. 30th St., an alternative school for about 200 students in Grades 6-12. Before hearing her sentence, she described turmoil last spring that included marital problems, financial difficulties, depression and fear that she could lose her job.
"No, there is no excuse for what took place," Vasquez said. "My life was a mess."
Andre Porter, 44, the student's foster father, said Vasquez clearly crossed a line. But he told Kroh that media coverage of her case, probation and her status as a sex offender would be punishment enough. The boy is no longer in his home.
To arrange the May 1 trip to her home in the Castleton area, Vasquez called the boy's foster parents and said she was taking him on a special lunch outing as a reward for improvement.
A female student stayed downstairs while Vasquez and the boy had sex in the bedroom, Deputy Prosecutor Andy Riedle said.
I think the "tryst" characterization exposes the gender differences in the way statutory rape is reported. I couldn't imagine a statutory rape by an adult man of a 15 year old girl would be described in the same manner.
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