ITEM #1
Local prosecutors have dropped the charges against Debra LaFave, the Tampa school teacher accused of having sex with her 14-year-old student. Debra Lafave held a news conference with her attorney shortly after the prosecutors’ decision to drop the charges became official. She apologized, blamed her actions on a mental illness, saying she was bipolar, and she said she now wants to remarry, move on and be left alone.
In a neighboring county, LaFave pleaded guilty to two counts of having sex with her student, who was then 14. In exchange, she has to serve three years of house arrest followed by seven years of probation. LaFavre was charged with having sex with the teen in her classroom in one county, in her townhouse and in her car on a trip to Ocala, which is why a second county’s court became involved in this case.
LaFave, who divorced after her arrest, is now engaged to remarry.
ITEM #2
Thirty-eight-year-old Toni Woods, a former 6th grade teacher, received 4 to 20 years in prison. Woods was arrested last March after telling police she had sex with four boys all under the age of 16. State Police said Toni Woods admitted to having sexual intercourse with three of her students and oral sex with two others.
She tried to convince the court her bizarre behavior was linked to taking Prozac and diet pills and that she was a candidate for probation or home confinement. But the judge didn’t believe it.
SUMMARY
So what’s the difference between one person getting 4 to 20 years in prison and the other getting a pass? Maybe the fact that one case involved four minors while the other only involved one? Maybe the fact that one jurisdiction is tougher on sex crimes with minors than another?
Where is the National Organization Of Women? Shouldn’t they be fighting for “equal justice” here?
Or is it because the one that will serve hard time is not attractive while the one that simply walks away is a hottie?
Remember this: these are judges that YOU voted into office, and only YOU have the power to remove them – that is if you get off your couch and quit watching “American Idol” long enough to vote.
Debra Lafave, teen, sex, Toni Woods
