Teacher Caught Straddling and Kissing Boy

(Elmsford, New York) A 24-year-old social studies teacher at Lakeland High School, Stephanie A. Gross, was arrested and charged yesterday after she was caught having sexual contact with a 16-year-old boy in her parked car behind an Elmsford restaurant. While on routine patrol, an Elmsford police officer saw Gross "straddling the victim" in the car's passenger seat early Friday morning.

Gross faces misdemeanor counts of third-degree sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child. She was booked and released on $1,500 bail. A court appearance is scheduled for next Wednesday in Elmsford Village.

According to Lakeland Assistant Superintendent Ray Morningstar, the district will seek to terminate Gross next week.


[Update 05/13/07]

This is interesting. An archived profile of Stephanie Gross from 2003 has been published by Lower Hudson Online. Here's a portion.

A double major in political science and secondary education at SUNY Oneonta in Otsego County, not to mention a minor in history, Gross sees a possible future in politics, after law school, of course.

"First woman president? Sure, why not, if Hillary doesn't beat me to it," Gross said, referring to U.S. Sen. Hillary Rodham Clinton, D-N.Y.

Gross said her interest in politics has roots in her family and faith. A Conservative Jew, Gross said she has a strong belief in doing the right thing, taking responsibility for her actions and considering the consequences of her decisions. She said those principles often seem to be missing in the world of politics.

"Excelling in life has become so important that integrity and honesty might be lost," she said.

Hmm ... instead of following Hillary Clinton, Gross decided to follow Bill. I presume her "belief in doing the right thing" isn't all that strong.

Tip: Don Morgenstern and Travis


[Update 09/06/07]

Gross sentenced.