Sexyoverforty.com

MOUNT OLIVET — Sentencing in the case of former Deming teacher Crystal Wells, 33, was paused as it began, while Circuit Court Judge Robert McGinnis allowed Wells and her attorney time to read typed victim impact statements from her victim and the victim’s mother.

In January, Wells was arraigned on six counts of rape for her relationship with a teen male student, while off school grounds.

On March 3, Wells pleaded guilty to a reduced charge of six counts of unlawful transaction with a minor, effectively avoiding being required to register as a sex offender, but required to attend sex offender counseling, relinquish her Kentucky licence to teach and face sentencing of up to five years for each charge.

Monday, Well’s attorney elaborated on her counseling sessions and included comments Wells was being treated for depression; she had resigned from her job, her marriage was falling apart and a divorce was pending which would be affecting her two young daughters.

“She is learning to deal with what she has done,” said John Dutra, her attorney.

He pleaded for a probationary sentence, saying jailing Wells would do no good to anyone.

McGinnis disagreed, citing the impact statements and facts of the case, with the boy’s mother and supporters of the victims’ family, and Wells family and church members present, McGinnis formally sentenced Wells to five years on each count to be served concurrently.

If Wells’ offense had been a single incident; if she had ceased contact with the victim after a confrontation by the boy’s family; if she had not been a teacher, the offense may have warranted probation, McGinnis said.

“I have to treat this the same as I would a male teacher and a female student,” McGinnis said. “I am not sure anyone benefits from jail.”

Citing the reduced charge from the original charges in the guilty plea and concessions already made by the commonwealth, the judge said there would be no probation at the time being. Wells is also shielded from prosecution from possible criminal charges in Nicholas County involving the same victim.

“A significant break has already been cut with the plea,” McGinnis said. “Probation is denied … you are in custody.”

The victim’s supporters left shortly after the sentence was announced.

Wells’ family members, visibly upset were consoled by others nearby as she was placed in a seat near another prisoner.

Wells was later taken to Mason County Detention Center for processing before a state facility is assigned, officials said.

Source: maysville-online.com/