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Debra Lafave, a former remedial reading teacher at Greco Middle School in Temple Terrace, Florida, had sex with a 14 year old student 3 times in 4 days, once in a car being driven by the boy's 15 year old cousin. In a disturbing plea bargain agreement, Ms. Lafave pleaded guilty to two counts of lewd and lascivious behavior and was sentenced to three years of house arrest followed by seven years probation. In addition, the former school teacher must register as a sex offender.
Ms. Lafave could have faced up to 15 years in prison per each count and also could have been charged in another county because the incidents happened there. Reports indicate that Ms. Lafave performed oral sex on the boy numerous times, including in the comforts of her home. Defense attorney, John Fitzgibbons, apparently negotiated a deal with this case that "allows the young man involved here to go on with his life, just as Debbie can go on with her life."
Originally Fitzgibbons was planning an insanity defense, asserting a claim that Lafave had "profound emtional issues" and that people will understand the reports of her doctors. The only words Ms. Lafave had to say for the press after the plea deal was announced was that she was "tired."
Apparently the catalyst for the deal was the boys parents, who relented after insisting on at least a 3 year prison sentence, and allowed prosecutors to strike a deal. The boys mother feared that proceeding to trial could negatively affect her son's emotional and psychological well-being.
Unfortunately, this case does not lead to a satisfying conclusion. It sets a precedent whereby placing media pressure on the victim could continuously permit child sex offenders to be free of their heinous crimes without prison.
What is your opinon? We'd like to know - please vote and voice your comments.
Ms. Lafave could have faced up to 15 years in prison per each count and also could have been charged in another county because the incidents happened there. Reports indicate that Ms. Lafave performed oral sex on the boy numerous times, including in the comforts of her home. Defense attorney, John Fitzgibbons, apparently negotiated a deal with this case that "allows the young man involved here to go on with his life, just as Debbie can go on with her life."
Originally Fitzgibbons was planning an insanity defense, asserting a claim that Lafave had "profound emtional issues" and that people will understand the reports of her doctors. The only words Ms. Lafave had to say for the press after the plea deal was announced was that she was "tired."
Apparently the catalyst for the deal was the boys parents, who relented after insisting on at least a 3 year prison sentence, and allowed prosecutors to strike a deal. The boys mother feared that proceeding to trial could negatively affect her son's emotional and psychological well-being.
Unfortunately, this case does not lead to a satisfying conclusion. It sets a precedent whereby placing media pressure on the victim could continuously permit child sex offenders to be free of their heinous crimes without prison.
What is your opinon? We'd like to know - please vote and voice your comments.