Arizona Teacher Gets No Jail in Student Sex Case - Updated

(Mesa, Arizona) After pleading guilty to sexual conduct with a student, Gay Lyn Turley, now 43, was sentenced by Maricopa County Superior Court Judge Helene Abrams to probation, supervised for 10 years.

Turley was also ordered to register as a sex offender and to surrender her teaching certificate.

Victim Charmai Choate, now 21, said she is not disappointed with the lack of jail time because Turley needs psychological help.

"She's lost everything she's basically worked for," Choate said. At one point, she said Turley was a mentor but the relationship changed.

"I love her but I hate her. It was basically two different relationships," Choate said.

Choate said she is seeking counseling for PTSD.


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Female Teacher Accused of Sex with Female Student
[Previous 12/20/07 post]
(Mesa, Arizona) A 42-year-old physical education teacher and coach at Mesa High School, Gay Lyn Turley, was arrested yesterday for allegedly engaging in a long-term sexual relationship with a female student, starting when the girl was 16 years old.

Gilbert police said the victim came forward earlier this week and told police that she and Turley began their relationship in 2003 when she was 16 and a student.

She eventually moved in with Turley and the relationship continued until earlier this year. The victim is now 20.

Sgt. Mark Marino said Turley admitted the allegations were true when she was questioned.

Turley was booked into custody on 10 counts of sexual contact with a minor.


[Update 12/21/07]

From another source, the alleged victim has been identified as Charmai Choate who was arrested in August 2007 during a domestic dispute with Turley.

Choate was charged with domestic violence assault, domestic violence disorderly conduct, and domestic violence criminal damage. According to neighbors, Choate filed the sexual contact with a minor charges to get back at Turley.