MS Teacher Gets Prison for Sex with Boy - Updated

(Jackson, Mississippi) Former teacher Sheral Lee Smith, 39, has pleaded guilty and been sentenced in accordance with a plea agreement to four counts of statutory rape. The victim was a 14-year-old boy who was a friend of her son.

According to District Attorney Michael Guest, Smith was to go to trial on Tuesday so a competency hearing was held Monday. Smith had undergone psychiatric care for the past seven months.

While testifying during the hearing, Smith acted confused, had trouble recalling what year it was and said she couldn’t remember the victim, Guest said. A psychiatrist who had treated Smith testified that she was putting on an act and a judge ruled that Smith was competent to stand trial.

After the hearing, Smith’s attorney called the district attorney’s office and requested a plea agreement, Guest said. During the plea agreement hearing, Smith’s entire demeanor changed, Guest said. He described her as having a clear understanding of the proceedings and as being in control of herself.

Guest said it was obvious that she was faking it earlier. Nevertheless, the plea bargain gives Smith 20 years in prison on each of four counts, running concurrently. Thirteen years of each sentence was suspended meaning she will only have to serve seven years total. After release, she will serve five years probation and be required to register as a sex offender.

Notably, Smith also faces charges of rape and sexual battery in another county. Those charges have not yet been adjudicated.

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Mississippi Teacher Accused of Sex with Boy
[Previous 9/23/08 post]
(Jackson, Mississippi) A 37-year-old teacher at the New Summit School, Sheral Lee Smith, was arrested last Wednesday by Rankin County Sheriff's deputies for allegedly engaging in sex with a 14-year-old male student.

Smith has been charged with statutory rape and transfer of a controlled substance.

Reportedly, the alleged statutory rape occurred at Smith's home and not at the school. The New Summit School is a private K-12 institution founded in 1997.

Smith was booked into custody with bond set at $50,000. She bonded out last Friday.


[Update 10/11/08]

This week, Sheral Smith was booked into the Hinds County Detention Center on new charges of rape and sexual battery. Consequently, Smith faces similar charges in two counties. Smith was subsequently released on bond.