| The Oklahoman reports that a female Oklahoma teacher is facing a $1 million judgment for her predatory sexual conduct in the seduction of a male student. Teacher, Jennifer Caswell, is currently serving a 10 year sentence in state prison for statutory rape. A federal court ruled that the woman must pay the damages for the emotional, psychological, and social damages done to the student. Caswell went on the Dr. Phil show to talk about her affair and she made a strong effort to blame her unfulfilling marriage for the condition which led to her sexual relationship with a student. Several past high profile cases have left civil rights advocates frustrated that female defendants are treated far differently than male defendants. Some say women are getting preferential treatment and far lighter sentences. Debra LaFave was perhaps the most glaring example of a female teacher getting off with a 'slap on the wrist' for repeatedly seducing a male student while teaching in Florida public schools. Before that, Mary Kay LeTourneau had a very notorious affair with a very young male student. she is now married to him. |  |
The attorney for the boy said; "We are pleased that the judge considered the outrageous behavior of the teacher and are pleased with the fact that the judge sent a message to teachers and schools across the state of Oklahoma that sexual abuse of a child by a teacher will not be condoned,"
Caswell was sentenced to 10 years in prison for sex crimes in 2015, following a television appearance on the "Dr. Phil" talk show to discuss her illicit relationship with the boy.
Federal judge Cauthron wrote that the boy went from being a well-liked star athlete at his school to the subject of ridicule once news of the sexual relationship between him and the teacher broke.
The boy now goes to school in a different town and couldn't play sports last school year, the judge said in her ruling.
"In this case, a teacher abused her position of trust and authority to sexually violate a young man who will face the emotional effects of the encounter for the rest of his life," Cauthron said. "(The boy) is receiving continued professional counseling services, and these professionals predict he will have future problems accepting female companionship and trusting female authority figures."
Earlier this year, Hollis Public Schools agreed to pay $125,000 to settle claims that the school participated in covering up the sexual abuse.
The school district is not liable for any of the $1 million judgment against Caswell, said David Cummins, an attorney for Caswell.
Cummins said his client will be in prison for the next several years and has no money to pay the boy. Still, it's unlikely Caswell will appeal the $1 million judgment, he said.
Caswell decided not to offer any defense to the lawsuit. She is serving her prison sentence at Mabel Bassett Correctional Center in McLoud.
"The reality is that the money is probably uncollectable," Wyatt said, "and that's sad because of the damage that truly happened."
Read the full report at the Oklahoman
Caswell was sentenced to 10 years in prison for sex crimes in 2015, following a television appearance on the "Dr. Phil" talk show to discuss her illicit relationship with the boy.
Federal judge Cauthron wrote that the boy went from being a well-liked star athlete at his school to the subject of ridicule once news of the sexual relationship between him and the teacher broke.
The boy now goes to school in a different town and couldn't play sports last school year, the judge said in her ruling.
"In this case, a teacher abused her position of trust and authority to sexually violate a young man who will face the emotional effects of the encounter for the rest of his life," Cauthron said. "(The boy) is receiving continued professional counseling services, and these professionals predict he will have future problems accepting female companionship and trusting female authority figures."
Earlier this year, Hollis Public Schools agreed to pay $125,000 to settle claims that the school participated in covering up the sexual abuse.
The school district is not liable for any of the $1 million judgment against Caswell, said David Cummins, an attorney for Caswell.
Cummins said his client will be in prison for the next several years and has no money to pay the boy. Still, it's unlikely Caswell will appeal the $1 million judgment, he said.
Caswell decided not to offer any defense to the lawsuit. She is serving her prison sentence at Mabel Bassett Correctional Center in McLoud.
"The reality is that the money is probably uncollectable," Wyatt said, "and that's sad because of the damage that truly happened."
Read the full report at the Oklahoman
