Tuesday, December 20, 2005

Female Teacher Gets Two Years in Sex Case

Nicole Andrea Barnhart(Castle Rock, Colorado) Last March, Ponderosa High School social studies teacher Nicole Andrea Barnhart was charged with felony sexual assault of a troubled 16-year-old male student. Barnhart had been spending considerable time with the boy, ostensibly providing counseling for suicidal thoughts and for alcohol and cocaine abuse. Ultimately, she engaged in a sexual relationship with the sophomore.

Today, after nine months of legal wrangling, 36-year-old Barnhart accepted the terms of a plea agreement which sends her to prison for two years. In accordance with the agreement, the married mother of two will plead guilty to sexual assault on a child and criminal attempt to commit sexual assault on a child. Douglas County District Court Judge Paul King set sentencing for January 3 when she will receive at least ten years probation in addition to the prison term. Barnhart will also have to register as a sex offender.

In a related development, the victim's parents have notified the Douglas County School District of their intent to file a lawsuit seeking $2 million in damages.


[Update 03/25/06]

Barnhart sentenced in accordance with the plea deal.

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