McKenna Kindred broke down in tears after being told she wouldn't go to jail after sleeping with her teenage protégé. "I'm ashamed," she said.
The 25-year-old admitted committing a sexual offense and communicating with a 17-year-old "for immoral purposes." Afterwards, she apologised to her victim, convincing her that she was ashamed of what she had done to him.
A former Washington high school teacher received a two-year suspended sentence in addition to a $700 fine, and the requirement to register as a sex offender for the next 10 years.
Kindred's relationship with the student allegedly began in June 2022 when he followed her on Instagram. A few months later, he came to the teacher's house while her husband was hunting. There they had sex for the first time.
The teacher apologises for seducing the student
"I'm truly sorry for my actions. I know that the past year has been extremely stressful for everyone involved in this case," she told the court.
"As a result of my actions, I have lost my career, valuable friendships, freedom, and I have let down countless people who trusted me. This event also had a serious impact on my mental health. I am deeply ashamed of the pain I have caused," she added.
The victim's mother said the teacher's "predatory actions" were an "abuse of power" and since the incident, her the child's "light has been dimmed."
Kindred resigned from her position at Spokane Valley Schools. This came after the victim's classmates informed school officials that he and the teacher had been communicating inappropriately via social media.
The couple initially denied having a sexual relationship. Messages recovered from their devices contained references to masturbation.
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This article was originally published on Onet Woman.