Teacher Kristi Oakes Gets 6 Months

(Sevierville, Tennessee) The enduring case of former biology teacher at Seymour High School, Kristi Dance Oakes, 33, has concluded with her sentencing.

Refreshing memories, Oakes was arrested for performing oral sex on a 16-year-old boy inside her car near Douglas Dam in 2004. She pleaded guilty last month to statutory rape.

Yesterday, Circuit Court Judge Richard Vance sentenced Oakes to six months in jail and 12 months probation.

From WBIR.com:

The judge gave her 30 days to report to Sevier County Jail to serve her sentence.

It's not known whether she will be tagged as a sex offender. One thing seems certain, though. Justice can be casual.


[Update 07/31/06]

Another report indicates Oakes will appeal.

From WATE.com:

Kristi Oakes told news reporters to leave her alone Thursday and she had no comment after her sentence was read.

The victim's mother spoke but did not want her identity revealed. "She (Oakes) called me to apologize. I asked her why she did it and she said she didn't know why she did it."

The mother says Oakes seduced the boy beginning with phone calls, Internet chatting late at night and even taking a summer job at the same place. Finally, she says it ended with a sex act between the then 31-year-old teacher and 16-year-old student.

Nevertheless, according to her attorney, Oakes will appeal her sentence. Odd, I thought six months was lenient and that was before I knew she seduced the boy.

Understandably, the court allowed Mrs. Oakes to retain custody of her minor children.

Tip: Don Morgenstern