(Warren County, New Jersey) For sexually assaulting a female New Jersey student, former middle school teacher Keri Ann Brekne was sentenced yesterday to seven years in prison.
The New Jersey judge ruled her sentence will be concurrent to her sentence of 15 to 30 years in Northampton County. That means Brekne will serve both sentences at the same time, rather than back-to-back. The victim's family says they are outraged Brekne will not serve extra time for the charges in New Jersey.The victim's father called the sentencing a "waste everyone's time and taxpayer money" because if the court just gives Brekne a "free ride," it could have been done "months ago." I tend to agree with the sentiment. The New Jersey prosecution was inconsequential. So, why even bother?
Teacher Keri Ann Brekne Gets Prison in Sex Case
[Previous 10/10/08 post]
(Bethlehem, Pennsylvania) Whoa! Keri Ann Brekne gets slammed!
Brekne apologized to the victim and her family while also asserting that she is not a predator. The victim told the court that her life has been forever altered by the sexual abuse.A former teacher, described in court as someone who spent months trying to "brainwash" a student to make her a sexual tool, was sentenced to 15 to 30 years in prison today by a Northampton County judge who said it was the worst case of abuse she has seen.
The sentence against Keri Ann Brekne, 28, of Bethlehem came after the 15-year-old victim and her parents described Brekne as a cold, manipulative woman who used her position at a Warren County, N.J., middle school to win the girl's trust, ensnare her, isolate her and finally abuse her.
"In 20 years on the bench, I have not seen a case as heinous as this one," Judge Kimberly McFadden said in a courtroom packed by 85 supporters of the girl and her family and about 15 of Brekne.
Brekne will have to register as a sex offender for the rest of her life. Additionally, she still faces sentencing, date TBD, in New Jersey for a conviction of sex assault of the same girl. She could see five to 10 years in prison.
Female Teacher Guilty of Sex with Female Student
[Previous 7/9/08 post]
(Bethlehem, Pennsylvania) Former middle school teacher Keri Ann Brekne pleaded guilty to five counts of aggravated indecent assault today.
Northampton County Court Judge F. P. Kimberly McFadden immediately revoked Brekne's bail and sent her to jail to await sentencing.
McFadden set sentencing for Oct. 3 and ordered that Brekne have psychological and psychiatric evaluations.Reportedly, Brekne faces up to 50 years in prison when sentenced. The status of the charges against Brekne in New Jersey is unknown.
Because of the nature of Brekne's offenses, she falls under the state's version of Megan's Law and must register as a sex offender for the rest of her life.
Female Teacher, Female Student, Sex Charges in 2 States
[Previous 01/25/08 post]
(Belvidere, New Jersey) A 28-year-old seventh-grade social studies teacher at Lopatcong Middle School, Keri Ann Marie Brekne, has been accused of engaging in a extended-term sexual relationship with a 14-year-old girl.
The sexual episodes allegedly occurred in both Pennsylvania and New Jersey, therefore, Brekne faces charges in two states.
In PA, Brekne is charged with involuntary deviate sexual intercourse, aggravated indecent assault and corruption of minors. In NJ, Brekne faces one count each of second-degree sexual assault, second-degree child endangerment and third-degree aggravated criminal sexual contact.
Brekne was arraigned in Easton before District Judge Gay Elwell. She was booked into custody at Northampton County Prison with bail set at $75,000. Bail in New Jersey has been set at $150,000.
[Update]
Brekne was initially hired in her current position in 2003 and makes $46,012 annually. A spokesman for the Lopatcong Township School District, Mark Toscano, said the Board of Education will act on Brekne's status when more is known.
Be sure to check out the interesting picture at Brekne's MySpace profile. She's wearing a Viking helmet.
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