Female Teacher Has Student's Love Child

(Strongsville, Ohio) With the prevalence of teacher-student sex episodes in American schools, one would imagine that the last thing needed is a "Win A Date With Teacher" contest. Strangely, that's exactly what was offered by 36-year-old Strongsville High School teacher Christine Scarlett and the winner, 17-year-old Steven Bradigan, won not only the date but also regular sharpenings of his pencil.

Upon notification of the sexual relationship, Strongsville City Schools officials acted quickly and fired Scarlett. Here are some details.

From Cleveland.com:

At first, Bradigan kept quiet about his dinner date with the teacher. But a week later, Scarlett arranged for a secret meeting with Bradigan at his friend's house and brought along a six-pack of beer. The friend's father discovered Scarlett hiding in a bedroom closet and blew the whistle to Bradigan's parents.

Schools Superintendent James Gray said he fired Scarlett as soon as he heard about the closet incident, and two weeks later he called the Department of Children and Family Services to report Scarlett, which agency Director James McCafferty confirmed.

Although not surprising, the Scarlett-Bradigan sexual relationship, which reportedly lasted for two years, ultimately resulted in offspring, a baby boy. DNA tests confirm that Bradigan is the father.

In an interview, Steven Bradigan and his parents became emotional as they talked about the repercussions of the affair. Someone at the school scribbled profanity on his locker. Classmates taunted him in the cafeteria. Teachers mentioned the affair in class, and a coach asked Bradigan what it felt like to have sex with Scarlett, Bradigan said.

Frankly, I'm skeptical. My guess would be that Bradigan was BMOC and probably enjoyed every minute of his celebrity.

Jump forward to present time. Bradigan, now 20, and his family are pressing a case for custody of his son in Cuyahoga County Juvenile Court. Concurrently, the family has notified Strongsville City Schools and the Strongsville Police Department of its intent to sue, claiming both organizations were negligent in not pursuing a criminal investigation of Scarlett. Notably,

Steven Bradigan thinks his case will be bolstered by X-rated photos of the couple snapped by his high school buddies.

Holy moly! This is reading like a teen coming-of-age movie. 'Coming soon! Star quarterback boffs hot teacher while football buddies take pictures.'

On the other hand, Scarlett, now 39, is shocked and mortified by the situation and very sorry. Currently, she works part time at a furniture store and lives with her supportive new husband, her son, and a 9-year-old daughter from a previous marriage.

Tipped by Jason Cann.

Companion post at Conservative Thinking.


[Update 05/28/06]

Steven Bradigan and Christine Scarlett agreed to share custody of their son.


[Update 06/26/06]

Christine Scarlett arraigned on 18 counts of sexual battery.


[Update 05/13/07]

Scarlett pleads guilty to avoid trial. Sentencing in June.