An Idaho high school teacher received a prison sentence of a minimum of two years, with the possibility of serving up to 20 years, after admitting guilt to charges of sexual battery involving a child.
Jessica Lawson, 36, has admitted guilt to two counts of the charge as part of a plea deal, as indicated by online court records. A judge has dismissed charges related to providing alcohol to a minor and delivering a controlled substance, according to records.
In November 2023, Lawson was taken into custody in St. Anthony, Idaho, while she was in the passenger seat of a car driven by a teenage boy, which was stopped by law enforcement, as reported by the Idaho State Journal, East Idaho News, and Local News 8.
Authorities claimed that Lawson directed the boy to take the wheel due to her level of intoxication, according to reports.
A broken taillight led to the car being pulled over, according to the State Journal, which referenced court records. Authorities have claimed that the boy confessed to possessing marijuana.
According to East Idaho News, the boy’s parents informed the police that Lawson had taken their son the previous night and confessed to providing him with alcohol and marijuana prior to their sexual encounter.
The boy was interviewed by the police, according to the report, and he stated that they had engaged in sexual activity.
Lawson used to teach at South Fremont High School. She is set to spend at least two years behind bars. According to East Idaho News, a 20-year no-contact order has also been issued regarding the victim.