Wisconsin Educator Gets Probation for Student Sex - Updated

* * * Scroll for update * * *
[Previous 2/26/08 entry]
(Columbus, Wisconsin) A 25-year-old director at Wisconsin Academy, Michelle E. Shufelt, has been accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student. At an initial court appearance last week, Shufelt was charged with three counts of felony sexual assault.

Shufelt said the boy came into her office frequently, and the two began a relationship in December 2006 that included kissing and hand-holding, according to a criminal complaint. The pair also had sexual contact at least twice in her home, the complaint quoted her as saying.

The boy told deputies he and Shufelt were dating, but school staff and his mother ordered the two to stop spending time together, the complaint said.

Shufelt told authorities she knew it was illegal to have sexual contact with a minor, the complaint said.

Columbia County Circuit Court Commissioner Charles Church allowed Shufelt to go free on a $2,000 signature bond. It's reported that she has resigned from the school.

Wisconsin Academy is a private school for youngsters in grades 9 through 12 which was founded by the Seventh-day Adventists.

Most troubling about this case is that Shufelt was warned repeatedly about her behavior and she continued to act in the same manner.


[Update 6/24/08]

Last Friday, Shufelt pleaded no contest to misdemeanor sex with a child. Consequently, Circuit Court Judge Alan White sentenced her to two years' probation.

Misdemeanor sex with a child?