Oregon Teacher Gets 40 Years in Sex Case - Updated

(Silverton, Oregon) In February, 47-year-old former teacher Susan Alderson pleaded guilty to molesting a boy and earlier today she was sentenced to 40 years in prison.

"I really hope this all helps him to move on and be healthy and be happy," Alderson said during the hearing. "I can't express how remorseful I am."

But Marion County Circuit Judge Joseph Ochoa said he didn't think she was remorseful and handed down the sentence that is longer than the presumptive term.

The rape and sodomy counts are Measure 11 charges and require a mandatory minimum prison sentence of 8 years 4 months in prison under Oregon law. Ochoa found factors of persistent involvement in the crime, lack of remorse and the vulnerability of the victim all substantiated the extended sentence.

"This is the kind of case judges lose sleep over," he said.

Despite saying she is remorseful, Alderson failed to convince the judge.

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Oregon Teacher Guilty of Sex with Boy - Updated
[Previous 2/12/10 post]
(Silverton, Oregon) Silverton Falls School District teacher Susan Alderson pleaded guilty on Wednesday to raping and sexually abusing a boy for four years, starting when the boy was 13 years old.

Alderson responded to Marion County Circuit Judge Joseph Ochoa in a soft voice when asked how she wanted to plead to each count.

The charges include two counts of rape in the first degree, two counts of sodomy in the first degree and two counts of sexual abuse in the second degree. All are felony charges.

Two other charges were amended to sexual abuse in the third degree and are classified as misdemeanors.

Alderson is being held without bail until sentencing, scheduled for April 16.

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Oregon Teacher Accused of Sex with Boy
[Previous 6/24/09 post]
(Silverton, Oregon) A 46-year-old sixth-grade teacher at Robert Frost Elementary School, Susan Alderson, was arrested yesterday for allegedly engaging in a long-term sexual relationship with a boy, starting when he was 13 years old.

The sexual relationship reportedly transpired between 2002 and 2006. The boy was not one of Alderson's students.

Alderson was booked into custody at the Marion County Correctional Facility on charges of rape, sodomy and sexual abuse.