Texas Teacher Gets 180 Days in Sex Case

(Katy, Texas) In March 2007, a 28-year-old eighth-grade math teacher at McDonald Junior High School, Emily S. Willis, was caught by Harris County Sheriff's deputies engaging in sex with a 14-year-old student in her car. Willis was charged with sexual assault of a child.

Last month, Emily Willis pleaded guilty to sexual abuse of a child, an offense which carries a possible 20 years in prison. A pre-sentencing evaluation was ordered by District Judge Caprice Cosper.

Yesterday, Willis was sentenced to deferred adjudication consisting of 180 days in jail and 10 years probation.

It's not known whether Willis will continue teaching or be required to register as a sex offender. It is known, however, that 180 days is considerably less than the possible 20 years she reportedly faced. Six months in jail is nothing to laugh at but I suggest that a male teacher convicted of child sexual abuse of a 14-year-old in the same jurisdiction would probably have been treated more harshly.

Tip: Don Morgenstern