Teacher's Hand Slapped in Same-Sex Tryst with Girl

(Tenino, Washington) In April 2007, a 38-year-old divorced mother of three and teacher at Tenino High School, Dawn Marie Welter, was accused of engaging in an illicit relationship with a 16-year-old girl. Welter was charged with three counts of communication with a minor for immoral purposes.

Yesterday, Welter pleaded guilty to reduced charges of misdemeanor communicating with a minor for immoral purposes and misdemeanor sexual misconduct with a minor. Lewis County Superior Court Judge Richard Brosey sentenced her to 60 days in jail with provisions for a work release program.

Acceptance of the plea deal means that Welter avoids having a felony record. She will, however, have to register as a sex offender and will also be allowed to have contact with her victim.

It's not known what happened with the child rape charge contemplated in Pacific County. Allegedly, Welter had an overnight sexual episode with the girl at a South Bend hotel.