Teacher Who "Touched by Her Tenderness" Guilty of Sex with Boy

(Phoenix, Arizona) In May 2007, English teacher and cheerleading coach at Paradise Valley High School, Jennifer Mally, was arrested for allegedly engaging in sex with a 16-year-old male student. Mally was charged with multiple counts of sexual conduct with a minor.

Earlier today, Jennifer Mally, 26, pleaded guilty to three counts of sexual conduct with a minor in accordance with a plea agreement. In exchange for her guilty plea, the prosecution dropped 14 counts of sexual conduct with a minor.

But as part of the plea agreement, Mally gave up her teaching certificate permanently. She will have to register as a sex offender. She also is required to pay $1,650 restitution for the victim's counseling costs.

"She is pleading guilty because she is guilty," [defense attorney] McDonald told the judge.

He said he would have several students in the courtroom in May speaking on her behalf.

"These are people she has touched," he said. "Everyplace she goes, people are touched by her tenderness, love and caring."

Mally's plea agreement was accepted by Judge Andrew Klein who scheduled sentencing for May 9. She faces a maximum of two years in prison on each count.

I'll speculate that Mally gets no more than 60 days in the county jail.

Tip: SE


[Update 05/10/08]

Mally sentenced.