Teacher Erica Baker Gets Prison in Sex Case

(Erie, Pennsylvania) In September 2008, former substitute teacher Erica L. Baker, now 25, pleaded guilty to one count of corruption of minors in accordance with a plea deal.

Yesterday, Baker walked into court for sentencing. She received three months to a year in the Erie County Prison. She had expected probation.

But Erie County Judge John Garhart said incarceration was appropriate because Baker, who was teaching at Strong Vincent High School when she met the victim, was in a position of authority when she had sex with her.

"What she did was with a protected class of person -- a minor," Garhart said.

He also sentenced Baker, of Corry, to four years of probation, and said he would consider placing her on work release.

Baker also surrendered her teaching license as part of the plea deal. There was no mention regarding registration as a sex offender.



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Female Teacher & Female Student, boom-chicka-wa-wa
[Previous 11/04/07 post]
(Erie, Pennsylvania) A 24-year-old substitute teacher at Pfieffer-Burleigh Elementary School, Erica L. Baker (aka Erica L. McEldowney), has been arrested for allegedly engaging in sexual relations with a 16-year-old female student. Baker met the student while teaching at Strong Vincent High School.

Baker is accused of developing a relationship with a female student while the student was at Strong Vincent. Police charged her with having the sexual contact with the student in Millcreek Township.

Baker was arraigned yesterday before Millcreek Township District Judge Paul Manzi on three counts of misdemeanor corruption of minors. Baker was released after posting bail.

The Erie School District has suspended the recently-divorced Baker without pay.

Tip: SuidaeEmpathy