Pennsylvania Teacher Gets No Jail in Student Sex Case - Update

(Berks County, Pennsylvania)

A former Daniel Boone High School teacher wept as she was sentenced today in Berks County Court to three months of house arrest for sexually assaulting a 15-year-old male student in her home in March 2012.

Former Daniel Boone High School English teacher Kristy Risell was also sentenced by Judge John A. Boccabella to five years of probation.

"I would like to apologize for my actions," Risell said. "I am very sorry to the family and the Daniel Boone School District."

Risell said she did not realize the depth of her mental health issues when the act occurred.

Risell, 32, of the 2100 block of Orchard View Road, Exeter Township, pleaded guilty to institutional sexual assault.

Under house arrest, Risell is required to wear an electronic monitoring device and remain in her home.

Risell's lawyer said an insanity defense could have been used.

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Pennsylvania Teacher and Male Student, 15
[Previous 9/13/12 post]
(Birdsboro, Pennsylvania) A 31-year-old teacher at Daniel Boone High School, Kristy C. Risell, has been accused of sexually abusing a 15-year-old male student.

Risell faces various counts, including statutory sexual assault, indecent assault and exposure, and corruption of a minor. The alleged criminal relations with the student reportedly began in March 2012.

Risell was picking him up at his home and bringing the victim over to her house in Exeter Township, where the two were having sex, according to a statement by the prosecutor.

When detectives talked to the student in April, they say "the victim disclosed the sexual abuse by Kristy Risell."

Risell surrendered on Thursday.

Details on booking are unavailable.