Teacher and 13-Year-Old Boy

(St. Albans, Vermont) Teaching assistant at Missisquoi Valley Union High School, 24-year-old Melanie Hackett, was arrested last March for having a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old boy. Allegations of sex with the student surfaced after Hackett told another teaching assistant of the relationship. Hackett pleaded not guilty to two charges of sexual abuse in Vermont District Court in St. Albans.

In the latest development in the case, prosecutors indicate that Hackett is expected to plead guilty to a reduced charge of lewd and lascivious conduct as part of an agreement which dismisses the more serious charges. A court date has not yet been scheduled.


[Update 11/09/06]

Plea deal rejected by judge. Hackett going to trial.


[Update 03/03/07]

Hackett sentenced.