Idaho Teacher Gets Prison in Sex Case - Updated

(Idaho Falls, Idaho) Yesterday, 28-year-old Kari Atkinson was sentenced to serve a minimum of two years in prison before being eligible for parole.

The former Sandcreek Middle School teacher asked for probation so she could continue counseling and remain with her family and two daughters, ages 4 and 6.

"The regret and remorse I feel is indescribable," Atkinson said, the Post Register reported. "It was wrong for me as a teacher to cross boundaries and not protect (the boy)."

In deciding on the sentence, Judge Jon S. Shindurling said teachers had a special responsibility to protect children. Prosecutors say Atkinson had a relationship with the boy over a four- to six-month period.

"A teacher is expected to be a mentor," Shindurling said. "Part of the role of the mentor is to help the youth develop a sense of boundaries, not to break them down."

In Atkinson's defense, counselor Jennifer Kerner said she acted out because of a repressed sexual encounter as a teen.

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Idaho Teacher Guilty in Boy-Sex Case - Updated
[Previous 10/14/09 post]
(Idaho Falls, Idaho) Earlier today, former Sandcreek Middle School teacher Kari Atkinson pleaded guilty today to engaging in sex with a 14-year-old boy.

In exchange for her guilty plea to two counts of lewd conduct with a minor, three counts were dropped.

It seems that only one victim was identified in the case and a judge ordered Atkinson to have no contact with him. Atkinson was also ordered to undergo a psychological evaluation. The status of Atkinson's teaching credentials has not been disclosed.

Sentencing in the case is scheduled for December 17 when Atkinson reportedly faces possible life in prison. Frankly, I would be surprised if she gets anything more than probation.

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Idaho Teacher Accused of Lewdness with Boy
[Previous 9/10/09 post]
(Idaho Falls, Idaho) A 28-year-old physical education teacher at Sandcreek Middle School, Kari Atkinson, was arrested Tuesday for alleged inappropriate conduct with a 14-year-old male student.

Atkinson, a mother of two, faces five counts of lewd and lascivious conduct with a child under 16. Each count reportedly carries a maximum punishment of life in prison.

According to the Bonneville County Sheriff's Office, only one victim is suspected in Atkinson's case.

Atkinson was booked into custody and, presumably, released since Judge Linda Cook told her to stay away from all children except her own. A preliminary hearing is scheduled for September 16.