Teacher Indicted for Rape of Girl, 14

(White Bluff, Tennessee) In May 2007, a teacher and softball coach at William James Middle School, Julie E. Petty, was arrested for allegedly engaging in sex with a 14-year-old female student. Petty was charged with sexual battery and rape.

The school system suspended Petty without pay. Ultimately, she was released on $250,000 bail.

In the latest development:

Julie E. Petty, 37, of Leatherwood Road, was indicted on a charge of sexual battery by a person in authority and statutory rape by a person in authority. Both charges are Class C felonies with a possible punishment of three to six years on each count if convicted, according to 23rd Judicial District Attorney General Dan Alsobrooks.

Arraignment before Dickson County Circuit Court Judge Larry Wallace is scheduled for September 10th.


[Update 8/28/08]

After a year of legal wrangling, Julie Petty pleaded guilty this week to sexual battery by an authority figure in accordance with a plea agreement. In exchange, the prosecution dropped the rape charge.

Sentencing has been scheduled for an unspecified date in September. Petty could be sentenced to as much as six years in prison.