Teacher Amy Burke Gets Prison

(Perth Amboy, New Jersey) In October 2006, 32-year-old teacher at McGinnis School, Amy Burke, was arrested for engaging in a months-long inappropriate relationship with a 13-year-old male student. Burke resigned her teaching position after her arrest.

Burke, a married mother of a young child, was charged with official misconduct, aggravated sexual assault, aggravated criminal sexual assault and endangering the welfare of a child.

In November, Burke accepted a deal and pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child and official misconduct. Burke agreed to forfeit her teaching certification and spend up to four years in prison.

Yesterday, Superior Court Judge Barbara Clark Stolte sentenced Burke to serve up to four years in prison.

Under terms of the sentence, Burke, who is married and the mother of a 3-year-old boy, could become eligible for parole in about six months, but could serve as much as 3 1/2 more years in prison. She was credited with already serving about six months in custody since her arrest.

Burke stated in court that she couldn't describe how sorry she is.

Although it makes absolutely no difference in the crimes nor sentence, reports have been inconsistent on the age of Burke's victim. Even so, we can be fairly certain that he was either 12 or 13 years old when the sex offenses were committed.