Utah Teacher and Boy, Husband and Gun, Uh-Oh!

(Provo, Utah) A 32-year-old teacher at Mt. Nebo Junior High School, Jennifer Candida Gonzales, has been arrested for allegedly engaging in unlawful sexual contact with a 16-year-old boy.

Jennifer's disapproving husband, Richard, 31, was arrested for waving a gun around when he caught his wife cheating with the boy.

According to court documents, 32-year-old Jennifer Candida Gonzales contacted Payson police and told them her husband pointed a 9mm handgun at her and threatened to kill her after he caught her cheating on him with a 16-year-old boy. He also pointed his gun at the teen and told him to get out of the house, she told police.

Gonzales's husband, 31-year-old Richard Gonzales, admitted to the allegations, court documents said. The couple lives in Payson.

According to court documents, Richard Gonzales came home early from work and found his wife and the teen downstairs with candles and oils. He told police he saw the teen run into a bathroom while pulling his pants up. His wife, who was topless, pulled her pants up as well, he told police.

Jennifer was booked into custody at the Utah County Jail. She has been placed on paid leave from her teaching position.


[Update 6/05/08]

Jennifer Candida Gonzales, 33, pleaded guilty this week to two felony counts of attempted forcible sexual abuse.

"She just wants to get it behind her," said Mike Esplin, Gonzales's defense attorney. "She's going to accept responsibility for her conduct and try to get on with her life, basically."

A sentencing hearing for Gonzales was scheduled for July 28. Attempted forcible sexual abuse carries a penalty of up to 5 years in prison.

Deputy county attorney Mariane O'Bryant said she will wait until she receives a pre-sentencing report from Adult Probation and Parole before making a decision on a sentence recommendation, but she doubts Gonzales will serve any prison time. Gonzales will have to register as a sex offender, O'Bryant said.

Her husband, Richard Gonzales, 32, still faces charges for waving a gun. Richard and Jennifer filed for divorce in May.