Teacher Has Sex with Student (Week 12)

In Lexington, Nebraska, a former teacher who fled to Mexico with a 13-year old student was sentenced to 8-10 years in prison. Kelsey Peterson is 27 years old and pleaded guilty to two counts of first-degree sexual assault of a minor. She also must register as a sex offender. Kelsey was the boy's teacher since he was in fifth grade and they began having sex in 2006 when he was 12. After authorites approached Peterson obout allegations for having an inappropriate relationship with the boy, she fled with the boy to Mexico. She was arrested a week later when the boy called his mother. Because he is a minor involved in a sex crime, the boy will not be named.

I think the sentence isn't enough. Peterson was his teacher and was supposed to give him a sense of security. She took her authority and abused it. She used her power to manipulate the young boy. He obviously didn't want to go with her because he called his mother a week after they got to Mexico. Eight to ten years isn't a fair punishment for what Peterson did. She tainted a 13 year old boy for life and he will never be the same. More severe consequences should have been given.