Florida Child Molester Gets Probation

In a blatant example of a double-standard in dealing with child molesters, a Florida judge has sentence former middle school teacher Debra LeFave to probation for having sex repeatedly with a 14-year-old male student.

LaFave agreed to plead guilty to two felony counts of lewd and lascivious battery in exchange for a sentence of two years community control (house arrest) on the first count and one year on the second count. Those sentences will be served consecutively and will be followed by seven years of probation.

LaFave's trial was scheduled to begin Dec. 5. She faced up to 15 years in prison if convicted of having sex with the student at her home, in her classroom and in her car.

Hillsborough prosecutor Michael Sinacore said the state, which previously had insisted on prison time, agreed to the new plea deal at the request of the victim's family.

"The victim's family relayed to us they wanted this case over with. Unfortunately, the intense media coverage in this case has put the victim in even more of a spotlight than could be anticipated," Sinacore said.

See Also:
No Jail Time for Lafave

Earlier Articles:
Teacher Who Had Sex With Teen Says She's Insane
Debra Lafave Turns Down Plea Deal

Background:
Myths About Sexual Assault