Teacher Kelly Abdo Gets Probation in Sex Case - Updated

(Monroe, Michigan) Twenty-seven-year-old teacher Kelly Anne Abdo appeared in court yesterday for sentencing. For conviction of the misdemeanor offense of indecent exposure, Judge Terrence Bronson sentenced Abdo to two years of probation.

Abdo took the opportunity to address the court.

"This past year has been a nightmare," she told the judge in a shaky voice. "This has affected my family even worse than it affected me. The rumors and media are not correct."

After her sentencing, Ms. Abdo's attorney, Mark S. Bilkovic of Southfield, denied that his client ever had any sexual contact or relations with any student.

"It didn't happen," Mr. Bilkovic said. "I'm not happy she was charged or convicted of anything."

He said his client did have phone conversations with students and sent them text messages, but that was all.

Asked why she would plead guilty to a criminal charge, Mr. Bilkovic said Ms. Abdo pleaded to the misdemeanor offense to avoid having her family endure a painful trial. Besides, he added, if she did not accept a plea to the indecent exposure charge, the prosecutor's office threatened to file a 15-year felony charge against her.

As an additional part of the sentence, Abdo was prohibited from teaching anywhere for two years.


* * * * *
Teacher Kelly Abdo Takes Plea in Student Sex Case - Updated
[Precious 2/11/09 post]
(Monroe, Michigan) Today in First District Court, Kelly Anne Abdo pleaded no contest to indecent exposure in accordance with a plea deal that requires her to immediately resign her teaching position.

Ms. Abdo and her attorney were in First District Court this afternoon, and Judge Terrence Bronson accepted her no contest plea to a misdemeanor charge of indecent exposure.

In addition to losing her job and being placed on probation for two years, Ms. Abdo could face jail time. Indecent exposure carries a maximum sentence of one year in jail and/or a $1,000 fine.

In exchange for the plea, the Monroe County Prosecutor's Office has agreed not to authorize any additional charges in the case. Ms. Abdo also agreed to revoke her teaching certificate and she can not teach anywhere for a minimum of two years.

Sentencing is scheduled for March 25. Abdo resigned her teaching position with Monroe Public Schools effective today.


* * * * *
Trial Set for Michigan Teacher in Student Sex Case - Updated
[Previous 12/10/08 post]
(Monroe, Michigan) Twenty-seven-year-old math teacher Kelly A. Abdo has been scheduled to be tried for allegedly engaging in sex with two male students.

Ms. Abdo was charged with indecent exposure, a misdemeanor that carries a penalty of one year in jail and a $1,000 fine. The charge stems from allegations that Ms. Abdo had sexual intercourse with an 18-year-old student in a car parked on Riverview Ave.

Two other students saw them in the car, according to Monroe County sheriff's deputies. The Monroe County Prosecutor's Office charged Ms. Abdo with indecent exposure because under Michigan law a teacher and a student can have sexual relations legally if the student is 18 or over.

So, in Michigan it appears that any student who attains the age of 18 in high school is automatically fair game for a teacher-student relationship provided that no one sees it happening. Uh ... I don't believe this situation is desirable. It hints that the sex angle could become a bargaining chip in a negotiated settlement over a grade controversy.

First District Court Judge Terrence Bronson scheduled the trial for February 19th. It is expected to last one day.

Contrary to a previous report, Abdo was not terminated by the school system. She is on paid leave.


* * * * *
Michigan Teacher Accused in Student Sex Case
[Previous 11/18/08 post]
(Monroe, Michigan) A 27-year-old high school math teacher formerly with Monroe County Schools, Kelly Abdo, was charged last week with misdemeanor indecent exposure for allegedly engaging in sex with an 18-year-old male student.

According to prosecutor William Nichols, Abdo allegedly had sexual intercourse with the 18-year-old male in a parked vehicle in view of witnesses.

Yesterday in Monroe County District Court, Abdo pleaded not guilty to the misdemeanor charge. Michigan law allows consensual sexual relations between teachers and students when the student is at least 18 years old.

Abdo was terminated by the school system for "ethical misconduct and inappropriate behavior" with male students. Judge Mark Braunlich ordered a pretrial hearing for December 1.