Teacher Holly Spreen Gets 30 Days

(Portsmouth, New Hampshire) In July 2007, a 34-year-old special education teacher for the Seabrook School System, Holly Spreen, was arrested for child endangerment when fellow passengers aboard a harbor cruise ship reported that an inebriated Spreen dropped and dragged her child.

Medical professionals at Portsmouth Regional Hospital indicated that Spreen's blood alcohol content was .49, more than six times the legal limit and typically high enough to induce a coma or cause death.

Yesterday in Portsmouth District Court, Spreen pleaded guilty to charges of reckless conduct and simple assault in accordance with an agreement with the prosecution. In exchange, two charges of child endangerment and a charge of violating bail conditions were dropped.

Judge Sawako Gardner sentenced Spreen to two years in jail with all but 30 days suspended. The 30 days will be served during the summer when school is out for summer vacation.

In addition to the jail sentence, Spreen was fined a total of $2,000 with all but $250 suspended, contingent on her good behavior and monitoring by a probation officer for two years.

Judge Gardner warned the special education teacher that "one misstep" would result in her facing the full two-year jail sentence and the fine.

"This is not to punish you, but to ensure you don't do it again," said the judge. "What I see is an escalation of your behavior involving your son."

Uh, excuse me, but isn't that the judge's job -- to impose punishment? I'm confused.

So Spreen gets 30 days and a fine of $250. Not really a smackdown, I'd say.


[Update 04/03/08]

Spreen pinched again. Registers 0.33 blood alcohol content.