Debra Lafave Turns Down Plea Deal

The middle-school teacher accused of having sex with a 14-year-old student has decided to turn down a plea bargain deal and opt instead of going to trial when she plans to use an insanity defense, according to her attorney.

Debra Lafave, 24, broke off plea negotiations because prosecutors wanted her to serve too much jail time, her attorney John Fitzgibbons said. He said Lafave was under so much emotional stress she did not know right from wrong in June 2004 when she had several sexual liaisons with a student.

"To place an attractive young woman in that kind of hell hole is like putting a piece of raw meat in with the lions," said Fitzgibbons. "I'm not sure she would survive." He said he had hoped to settle the case with a plea agreement, ``not only for Debbie's sake but for the young man's sake."

Lafave is charged with four felony counts of lewd and lascivious battery and one count of lewd and lascivious exhibition. Each charge carries a maximum 15-year prison term.

See Also:
Teacher Charged With Sex With Student Wants a Trial

Background:
Myths About Sexual Assault