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Teacher Arrested For Affair With Teenaged Student Save Email Print

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(August 6, 2008) - A Brazos Middle School teacher turned herself in to Waco police Wednesday morning after allegedly having a sexual relationship with one of her students.

Warrants had been issued for 26 year old Tara Allison Hodges of Katy for Sexual Assault of a Child and Improper Relationship Between Educator and Student.

The investigation into the alleged relationship started after the 26 year old teacher filed a false report of a sexual assault.

Waco police say detectives then found that Hodges had been involved in a sexual relationship with a 14 year-old student while she was employed as a teacher for Waco I.S.D.

According to the arrest affidavit, the relationship started on June 6, 2008. The affidavit says Hodges picked the victim up in her car that evening, drove him to her apartment, and then the two smoked marijuana. After that Hodges allegedly performed oral sex on the student before having sex with him.

The two had sex at least ten separate times, and during several of these times they smoked marijuana, the affidavit says.

Police say Hodges gave the student money, and on two occasions bought him shoes.

Hodges is facing two 2nd degree felony charges. According to McLennan County Jail Officials, Hodges is free on $300,000 bond.

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Posted by: Bambi on Aug 15, 2008 at 04:03 PM
Who's the neighbor guy? He sure is cute.

Posted by: JustMeThinking Location: Central Texas on Aug 12, 2008 at 10:52 PM
So if this 14 yr old boy bribed this woman or in some way forced her to have sex with him she could not have gone to the police and reported this as a crime? Come on--this was not a crime committed by the 14 year old--the crime happened when an educator seduced,drugged and bribed a 14 yr old boy to have sex with her and keep his mouth shut about it so it could happen many times. I don't care if he was a professional body builder and held her down during the encounters she still could have reported it to the police as a rape. She sexually assaulted this boy and then she got caught. Plain and simple and I think the evidence will prove this point and she will be sitting in a prison cell (hopefully) for a few years anyway, and not just get probation, like most of the PERVERTS out there do. I just do not understand how some of you can justify this act in any way shape or form--it is beyond any reasonable explanation to me. Pray God your not around any children! Your thinking is not good!

Posted by: Louie Location: Texas on Aug 12, 2008 at 02:38 PM
It dosen't matter how many if any of the students 'hit" on teachers. The teacher is the "adult" and a "Professional Educator" they are supposed to know better. In this situation he is 14, she is 26. Are some of you people kidding me or what? She knew what she was doing was wrong. Teachers know their boundries. It dosen't matter what kind of kid he is, he is only 14 she is 26. She needs to go to prison, no more teaching. END OF STORY People. Stop showing pity for a sexually deranged PEDOPHILE!!!

Posted by: Reality Check Location: Whack em Waco on Aug 12, 2008 at 12:50 PM
Ok people, she has gotten her 15 minutes, time to move on. Where's Brittney Spears or Paris Hilton when you need them???

Posted by: facts on Aug 12, 2008 at 10:38 AM
Myth:"Children who are sexually assaulted will sexually assault others when they grow up." Fact:Most sex offenders were not sexually assaulted as children and most children who are sexually assaulted do not sexually assault others. Early childhood sexual victimization does not automatically lead to sexually aggressive behavior. While sex offenders have higher rates of sexual abuse in their histories than expected in the general population, the majority were not abused. Among adult sex offenders, approximately 30% have been sexually abused. Some types of offenders, such as those who sexually offend against young boys, have still higher rates of child sexual abuse in their histories (Becker and Murphy, 1998). While past sexual victimization can increase the likelihood of sexually aggressive behavior, most children who were sexually victimized never perpetrate against others.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 12, 2008 at 10:34 AM
Myth: "Youths do not commit sex offenses." Fact: Adolescents are responsible for a significant number of rape and child molestation cases each year. Sexual assaults committed by youth are a growing concern in this country. Currently, it is estimated that adolescents (ages 13 to 17) account for up to one-fifth of all rapes and one-half of all cases of child molestation committed each year (Barbaree, Hudson, and Seto, 1993). In 1995, youth were involved in 15% of all forcible rapes cleared by arrest—approximately 18 adolescents per 100,000 were arrested for forcible rape. In the same year, approximately 16,100 adolescents were arrested for sexual offenses, excluding rape and prostitution (Sickmund, Snyder, Poe-Yamagata, 1997). The majority of these incidents of sexual abuse involve adolescent male perpetrators. However, prepubescent youths also engage in sexually abusive behaviors.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 12, 2008 at 10:25 AM
Does any one on this blog know anything about the student body at Brazos middle school? some of them have already initiated and are trying to earn their sleeves. hum, do any of you know what that means? just some facts:According to Janus and Janus 1993 21 % of males report having intercourse by 14 while only 15 % of females said the same. Parent: the truth is that this student did not come forward the teacher did. She came forward knowing she had made major mistakes that would most likely ruin her life. As the articles have stated she admitted to smoking with said student but from that point on the story changes and has not been made clear as of yet. If he was the blackmailer in this situation what do you think he will be like in the future after getting away with this? God knows I pray that they both get help. Have any of you ever made a mistake so awful you would suffer almost anything to keep it a secret.

Posted by: Mother of Three Location: Temple on Aug 12, 2008 at 08:02 AM
Sadly enough the time she's spent in jail now will probably be the ONLY time she spends there. The laws are WAY too lenient on people who prey on children. She'll get probation most likely. And what's even worse about that is child molesters have the highest recidivism rate of all criminals. (Meaning they are most likely to recommit their crimes.) And they are the ones we always let back out on the streets. That's sad.

Posted by: Parent Location: Waco on Aug 12, 2008 at 07:44 AM
Anonymous in Texas...the whole point is that they are teenagers & children, not adults. Knowledgeable or not they are not adults and there are consequences when you cross the line. No one forgot that a teenager could rape a teacher but this not the case so why are you bringing it up. She drove to pick him up and take her to her house, did you miss that?

Posted by: Mac Location: TX on Aug 12, 2008 at 07:23 AM
Anonymous; Perhaps, all male only schools and all female only schools should be implemented? That would take the gender problem out of school. Then schools could concentrate on the under-age same sex perverted molesters. Who knows, students might pass state requirements and get a better education and make educator's job less difficult. Just a thought.

Posted by: Anonymous Location: texas on Aug 12, 2008 at 02:54 AM
As a young female educator for several years, I speak from experience when I say that teenage boys are not innocent in the least. Not a day went by that I was not hit on and spoke to in an explicit manner by a student. These so called "innocent" boys know exactly what they are doing. Todays children are far more knowledgeable in the area of sex than any parent would like them to be. Sometimes they know more than adults. Some parents need to wake up and look outside their bubble and realize that their children are not the perfect little angels they make them out to be. Do you ever think about what your child does when he/she is not in your presence??Granted this teacher is wrong and she should have known better but lets not be so ready to fry her unless we know the whole situation. Have we just totally forgotten that teenage boys are perfectly capable of raping a woman? Working around high school boys, I know plenty of massive, athletic built boys who could easily overpower any woman.

Posted by: Wonder Location: tx on Aug 11, 2008 at 08:17 PM
I wonder if the 14 year old reaches adulthood, he thinks sexual contact of a child is normal behavior in our society? I wonder if this will make him a sexual predator? I wonder if his boy hood ended that day and no longer look at the world the same? I wonder if this is how a perverted predator starts? I wonder if this may have warp his mind about the opposite sex and have no respect for and become a rapest? Most of all, I hope if so, there is a cure before someone else becomes warp as well?

Posted by: The Patriot Location: Texas on Aug 11, 2008 at 06:53 PM
Anonymous, thank you for verifying what many on here were thinking. "Tara has Issues"...yep, that says it all! She is no victim. Remember Mary Kay Letourneau and Debra Lafave? Just 2 of many female teacher child predators. Male or female teacher, it doesn't matter ... any adult who has sexual relations with a child is a Child Molester. Educate yourself on the law.

Posted by: Mac Location: TX on Aug 11, 2008 at 06:52 PM
To Shirley; You are right, they have counseling and therapy in prison. When doing her time she will be helped 24 hours 7 days a week and can devote 100 per cent of her time with her therapy. She want have to worry about job,cloths,dental,doctor bills,food,utilities,rent and yes of course, she can continue her education. Shirley, she is surely going to get some help! About the lad and his rap music, I understand here in the good old U.S.A. it was part of our right to listen to music. Heck, I even heard of people dancing to music as well. So, you think he held a gun on her and raped her. Made her buy him shoes, give him a ride, made her smoke mary jane and low and behold he was a minority. Think it would been better if he was in the majority? Oh, thats right, only minorities have guns.

Posted by: Reality Check Location: Whack em Waco on Aug 11, 2008 at 05:24 PM
Anonymous...Tx Issues???? She is a child molester, no ifs ands or butts about it!!! She will get all the help she needs in Gatesville Women's Prison. Just because she is a woman doesn't mean that the "predator" label does not apply.

Posted by: Sam Bam Location: CenTX on Aug 11, 2008 at 05:02 PM
To Anonymous: Tara is no beautiful girl, she is a full grown women. Under age sex is consider,(by law), to be a sexual predator. That is why she went to jail! No matter how you try to play it down, she made a decision to break the law. "She did the crime and she must do the time". I know, lets just let all these sex offenders out of prison, after all they come from good,loving and respected families. Yes they have issues, but those issues alone must have clouded their judgement and they just happened to fall into that situation. Are you out of your mind! Hell, you can say that statement about anyone who broke the law. Anonymous, wake up, look around, before someone mistakes you for a vegetable. If this was a man, he would have been labled as a monster! Good heaven's almighty, please, please, save your heart for some victim. She is not innocent, therefor, she is not a victim. She is a perverted,twisted sexual predator.

Posted by: Me Location: Central Texas on Aug 11, 2008 at 04:48 PM
Sex for shoes and drugs? My guess is that the shoes were Nikes. What's wrong with White women these days?

Posted by: Anonymous Location: TX on Aug 11, 2008 at 02:04 PM
Tara is beautiful girl from a good, loving and respected family. Does she have issues? Yes. Tara will need help working through those issues, but is no way a perverted sexual predator. It was those issues and those issues alone that clouded her judgement and allowed her to fall into this situation.

Posted by: Eve Location: Waco on Aug 11, 2008 at 08:27 AM
I think the boy did because she offered to by him shoes ans give him money. I'm surprised they call it rape. When amale teacher has sex with a young girl they call it rape.

Posted by: JB Location: CenTex on Aug 11, 2008 at 07:45 AM
TO Posted by: Texas Location: Texas, Yes I know the difference, where you fail to see my point is that I believe they should both be punished. SHE should be punished, for lack of better words, more severely, than HE should, but I dont think its right that everyone call him "innocent". He knew what he was doing, simply put. I do NOT think that he needs to be put in jail or juvenile detention or whatever it is now days, but he needs some sort of punishment so that he learns his lesson from this, that it's wrong for adults and children to have sexual relations. She is just as much a "pedophile" as anyone else convicted of sexual acts with a child, but the "victim" is not a 5yr old girl, it's a male teenager, he KNEW what he was doing. My point was that I don't believe he should be seen as the "poor innocent victim" here, but not that he deserves just as much punishment as she does. Do YOU see the difference?

Posted by: D Location: Salado on Aug 10, 2008 at 10:14 PM
Can she not find a MAN to have sex with?

Posted by: News Reader Location: Texas on Aug 10, 2008 at 08:28 PM
You pathetic people who think 14 yr olds (whether female or male) are informed enough to make adult decisions must have an IQ of 50 or below. These young female teachers with new certificate in hand prey on the young males either have low self- esteem or do it for the thrill of having the attention of a male much younger. There is no other words for it but SICK!!They are in the news all the time. Do you people never see the news or remember anything? John E.--- sexaul child abuse it more important than a stupid toll road. Priorities?? I happen to like toll roads since there is ALOT less traffic and ALOT less chance of an accident. You must not get out very much! I spent a whole 10 bucks this weekend on a toll road, was safe for my family traveling and surely didn't break the bank! lol

Posted by: J Scott Location: CenTex on Aug 10, 2008 at 05:45 PM
This kind of thing has been happening much more frequently lately. You hear about it in the news on a regualr basis now. It used to be primarily a man teacher having sex with a young female student, but the roles seem to be reversing. I just wonder what it is that makes 20 something female teachers attracted to young teenaged boys? It's not like these boys can provide for them or give them anything. The experts tell us that men are more likely to act on their lusts, but I think that women are slowly developing the same mentality. It's a weird situation.

Posted by: Texas Location: Texas on Aug 10, 2008 at 02:39 PM
OMG Shirley. Get a life for crying out loud.

Posted by: concerned on Aug 10, 2008 at 02:30 PM
Still no one answers any of my questions. 1st I want to say that I do not think any one using authority or pressure in any form to receive sexual gratification is appropriate, it is twisted and can harm the victim in ways no one other than a victim can understand. 2nd sexual assault laws are specific forced or not sex with a student, in Texas, under the age of 18, is illegal. 3rd as a teacher ethics require a higher standard of morality, after all they are teaching our future society. Saying all of this I repeat my earlier concern, having worked as an intern at TYC I know that there are 14 year olds capable of terroristic behaviors hard, angry, man/children, seeking fame of any kind something, anything, that will fill the void that is eating them up inside. Their lives have been more different than many of you can comprehend. One news station mentioned possible bribery and blackmail (channel 10) was hodges supposed to be bribing the student?

Posted by: JustMeThinking Location: Central Texas on Aug 10, 2008 at 01:19 AM
I GIVE UP! There is no way to get through to those people here who think that a 14 year old is old enough to make an informed decision about anything, especially a sexual act with an older woman! A woman that is in an authority position as a teacher to not only that child but to many of your children. You are some very naive people and as I said in earlier comments I truly hope you do not have contact with any children because you are not responsible adults and do not belong around any CHILDREN with the ideas you have about this case. It is because of people like you that our country lets these PERVERTS get away with these crimes with just a "slap on the wrist"! Shame on you for your LIBERAL thoughts! Do you really think they would have arrested her and set a very high bond if they did not have some very strong evidence to back up their charges? Come on--think straight for once in your CRAZY life and put a child before an adult. PROTECT children first--they are the key to our future!

Posted by: Shirley Location: Texas on Aug 10, 2008 at 01:05 AM
She deserves another chance! With counseling and therapy she can become a productive member of society again.We have bigger issues like immigration. I blame them, they suppress the economy which reflects why teacher's salaries are so low! I also blame the boy, these minorities with their slang and rap garbage music, what ever happened to the Great ol USA?? Did anyone ever consider he might have raped her? They have guns, he could have forced her!

Posted by: Reality Check Location: Whack em Waco on Aug 9, 2008 at 11:22 PM
My daughter went to that school the first year that teacher taught there. She was a "special needs" teacher there at Brazos Middle School. My daughter said that there were rumors spreading around that whole school that she was chasing young boys, and this was in 2005-2006 school year. I am surprised that it took this long for her to get caught. My daughter told me that she was after a boy named Derrick who was in the 6th grade in 2005. Seems that she had a pattern for molesting boys. The reality is that women who molest boys get lighter sentences than men who molest girls, and that quote came from an attorney in the DA's office.

Posted by: Anon Location: waco on Aug 9, 2008 at 06:43 PM
This outrages me because I have two young daughters in school and I don't know what I would do if a male teacher did that to my daughter. Schools do background checks, but how do these lowlife's slip through the tracks and wind up teaching our kids? It's so sad how frequent these stories come up in the news.

Posted by: Texas Location: Texas on Aug 9, 2008 at 02:39 PM
To JB...it doesnt matter if he wanted it or whether or not it was his first encounter. He is 14. By law he is a CHILD. SHE is the ADULT. He isnt legally old enough by LAW, to decide to have sex with an ADULT. We as adults are responsible for making ADULT decisions. She failed to do so. It really bothers me that you think he as a CHILD should be the one punished. Until he is 18 he isnt an ADULT. You do see the difference, right?

Posted by: concerned on Aug 9, 2008 at 11:01 AM
John:Didn't even catch my slang connection until you mentioned it. It is ironic in this situation and was probably the wrong example of the perfect youth however I notice no one has answered any of my questions. just in case anyone is interested: pedophile: An adult, usually male, who is sexually attracted to prepubescent children. Derived from the Greek paedeia (child) and philos (love.) According to the DSM, pedophilia is a form of paraphilia in which a person either has acted on intense sexual urges towards children, or experiences recurrent sexual urges towards and fantasies about children that cause distress or interpersonal difficulty. What if there is a dangerous 14 year old roaming the streets or heading back to Brazos middle school with a bunch of 12 year old little girls? this may not be the case but what if? I know some pretty scary 14 and 15 year olds attending that school ones who aren't to afraid to offend any one I know that is sad but it is a fact.

Posted by: So and So Location: Waco on Aug 9, 2008 at 08:13 AM
I did not pull a gun on BJH. Nor did I threaten BJH. I'm innocent. I swear. :-) Now let me out!

Posted by: JB Location: CenTex on Aug 9, 2008 at 08:11 AM
I agree she should be punished, as any sex crimes with children should be, either way you look at it IT'S WRONG. However, too many are leaving out that the 14yr old should be punished is some manner as well. I'm sorry, but 14 is damn well old enough to know whats going on, and to have gone back 10 or so times, you can't tell me the kid didn't know any better. We are missing some facts of the story, but to say the 14yr old is innocent is just a line of BS. She, of course, knew better that to do what she did, even if she was somehow pressured into it, she at least knew the consequences and should have known she'd get caught. They BOTH need some sort of punishment, hers of course will be much greater punishment being an adult, but the kid is not innocent! What's his background? I'd be willing to bet that it wasn't his first sexual encounter, maybe with an adult, but not his first. He knew better just as much as she did, so quit slamming her and praising the kid, he needs punishment also!!!

Posted by: Texas Location: Texas on Aug 9, 2008 at 07:18 AM
When a female teacher has an inapropriate relationship with a student it is called an affair. When it is a man it is called statutory rape. She may be innocent until proven guilty but there are witnesses who saw her pick him up from his home and there are witnesses who saw him enter her apartment. From there it is he said she said. Forensics now days can find the tiniest of evidence that you wouldnt think to look for. Like pubic hair on, around or under the bed. I'm sure when and if she is labeled a pedophile, the evidence will be there to back it up.

Posted by: JustMeThinking Location: Central Texas on Aug 9, 2008 at 01:57 AM
Hey, by the way--I will shut my mouth on this subject when you develop a brain and start thinking like a normal person. For the other blogger who said middle schoolers look lots older than 14--makes no difference how old they look they are still 14 BUDDY--can't change that fact! You need to look for your brain also because you also lost it somewhere along the way in your thinking process! Both of your are major CREEPS! Like I said earlier I pray to God you don't have any children you can pass this type of behavior on to because it is not healthy and we have way too many of your type in society now and both of you need to be bunked up in a cell right along with her!

Posted by: JustMeThinking Location: Central Texas on Aug 9, 2008 at 01:40 AM
To all of the idiots out there who think that a 14 year old boy just got lucky because a PERVERTED teacher molested him--I pray none of you have children of your own! What kind of people are you? Where have morales gone today? If this were a male teacher and a female student you would want to give hime the death penalty! What is wrong with your way of thinking--he was 14 for God's sake? What is wrong with all of you for thinking that something like this is OK? If it were my son and he went with her because HE wanted to I would still have the same opinion. She was a teacher--an educator. A person who should be teaching children morales and the right things to do in life. Instead, she chose to engage in obscene behavior with a MINOR-not an adult. You people have a backwards way of thinking and I pray to God that you do not have any children of your own because we already have too many like you in the world today--just read the news and it wont take you too long to see that!

Posted by: NANA Location: HUBBARD,TX on Aug 8, 2008 at 11:17 PM
THIS IS SO SICK WE SEND OUR KIDS TO SCHOOL FOR EDUCATION AND THIS IS WHAT THEY GET TAUGHT MAYBE WE SHOULD TEACH OUR KIDS AT HOME.

Posted by: Teacher Location: Killeen on Aug 8, 2008 at 10:27 PM
This is sad! How can someone look at a child for sex? People like this need to put a death roll for about 2 weeks! Just enough time to kill themselves! This child has to live for the rest of his life that his teacher taught him that it's ok to get high and have sex. I PREACH at my students about No drugs, No drinking, and NO SEX!! Teachers should be a good influence, not sick in the head!!

Posted by: Mac Location: TX on Aug 8, 2008 at 09:39 PM
If found guilty, prison is horrible, but when she gets out it will be worst. For the rest of her life she will be labled as a sex offender. She will have her picture,D.O.B.,the offense,victim's age, her home & job marked with maps on the DPS sex offender's list. She want be able to have full rights due to being a felony, no matter how much time she does. Let me say, she will have to live a life of hell and disgrace. I have worked with these kind of people (TDCJ) and I can assure you it is worst than being found guilty of murder! There is no defense for sexual contact of a child. There are so many limitation that will be put on her, it will be unreal. Basically, her life is over. If you don't believe me, research it. All of this for under age sex. I know at an illegal age, most boys have had sex, wether they admit it or not. Don't think she is getting off lightly,if found guilty. The price is expensive. Most people do not realize it. No excuses, having under age sex is wrong & Illegal.

Posted by: John E. Location: Salado, TX on Aug 8, 2008 at 06:31 PM
Do I thump my bible while cursing Rick Perry??? You bet! I'd rather be thumping him on the head for selling-out the residents of Texas and their land to foreign countries. You will be getting real when you are forced to pay a toll on each and every road he can force us to drive on. I would gladly cast stones at him in real life if I could get away with it.

Posted by: Get Real on Aug 8, 2008 at 03:09 PM
John E. in Salado, how many stones have you casted at our governor? You've drug that man through the mud on this forum. Do you thump your bible while cursing him? Everybody preaching "don't cast stones" has done it on here. Get Real! Sheesh, what a bunch of hypocrits!

Posted by: Hard to Believe on Aug 8, 2008 at 01:31 PM
I know Tara. She is a sweet, nice person that I never expected something like this to happen to. I know her family. They are a kind, loving, trying to do the right thing family. And as far as I now, not wealthy, so who know what they had to do to post bail. This story as shocked even me and I’m still not sure what to make of all of it. However, there are two sides to every story and I can only hope that the full story is told and punishment is assigned accordingly. I don’t believe that Tara’s intentions were purposeful or planned out, but more of a really bad, awful decision that can’t ever be taken back. Regardless, Tara’s life will never be the same due to this. She will have to live with her shame and guilt for the rest of her life and it won’t be easy with people being so judgmental and spiteful due to their own opinions and assumptions. None of us are perfect and should keep it in perspective. My heart goes out to Tara and her family as they try to put their lives back together.

Posted by: Capt Fred Location: Waco on Aug 8, 2008 at 12:54 PM
BJH brings up a very valid point. In theory, the "Court" must follow the letter of the law and you are still innocent until proven guilty. However, everywhere else a person is virtually guilty until proven innocent in Court. As for there being two sides to every story, there are really THREE sides to every story. Those sides are: 1) Your side, 2) Their side, and the most important side of all - 3) THE FACTS. Unfortunately, many people chose to prematurely form their opinions and pronounce their verdict on an issue based upon sides #1 and #2.

Posted by: green Location: arrow on Aug 8, 2008 at 12:51 PM
i had a student teacher, i wanted to sleep with with i was in junior high. It was everyboys dream to make out with a girl at that age. it was wrong of her to do it with him cause of his age. she should fry.

Posted by: Just sayin is all Location: Ft Hood on Aug 8, 2008 at 11:01 AM
Your so and so right. The reality for most is Guilty until proven innocent, but the law still states innocent until proven guilty. Your also right that if it were my kid I would be outraged. So of all those throwing stones on here, which one is the parent of the 14 year old on here? Or even related to him. Look, personally I am for making sure pedophiles in any form getting the maximum punishment by law. I also think that anyone convicted of rape should get a life sentence with no parole and the rape of a child should have the death penalty option. I also think that rules of evidence should be followed and proof beyond a resonable doubt should be adhered to. I am also frequently frustrated about loopholes hogtying our police force. Do I have all the answers? no. Could I do better? I'd like to think so, but maybe not. Bottom line. Whatever works to clean up our streets and make it safe again for all, especially our children.

Posted by: BJH Location: Waco on Aug 8, 2008 at 10:26 AM
to those of you who don't know the days of innocent until proven guilty are gone. These days you are guilty until proven innocent. Here's a scenerio for all of you all, I can call the police tell them so and so pulled a gun on me and threatened me, they will go arrest so and so and it will be my word against so and so's, but it is up to so and so to prove I am lying, so if you really believe in innocent until proven guilty you need to wake up.

Posted by: John E. Location: Salado, TX on Aug 8, 2008 at 09:42 AM
Jesus said, "Let he who is without sin cast the first stone". It looks like there are a lot of stone-throwers here! The law says "innocent until proven guilty". It DOES NOT say "You are guilty because a bunch of knuckle-draggers say you are guilty, even though you MIGHT be innocent."

Posted by: John E. Location: Salado, TX on Aug 8, 2008 at 08:45 AM
This is a story about a female teacher having sex with a male student, and someone puts, "Leave it to Beaver" in their remark. I'm going to be laughing about that for the rest of the month!!!

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 8, 2008 at 08:44 AM
I get sick and tired of all this "innocent until proven guilty" hullabaloo....I firmly believe if this was your child, that you would not be so quick to defend her. I no I wouldn't. Yes, there are two sides to every story, but when you've heard both sides, it makes it difficult to feel sorry. Strong family upbringing does not always exempt you from doing wrong. The people I feel sorry for in this situation is the family memners of the child and the family members of the teachers. I don't sympathize with the student, because he is old enough to know right from wrong...same with the teacher. I mean after all, we send our children to school entrusting these "adults" to be responsible and trust that they are being taken care of...what now?

Posted by: Mine!! Location: here on Aug 8, 2008 at 08:23 AM
A $300,000 bond is a BIG bond for a judge to set with "he said she said" evidence an or accusations. Daddy must have alot of money to make bail. Did she give him a failing grade and he decided to sexually assualt her then lie that they were having an affair? Had this been a 14 yr old girl with a 26 yr old man teacher, everyone be singing a different tune. And those that say don't "throw" stones, well, they toss some of the biggest ones on here everyday. This is a news story and like all news, it's not immuned to people's thoughts and opinions whether you like it or not.

Posted by: Just sayin is all Location: Ft Hood on Aug 8, 2008 at 07:16 AM
K.Adams - Your absolutely right. Innocent until proven guilty and 2 sides to every story. Its always easy to sit at a computer anonomously and "throw" stones. But look on the bright side. Most of the people who toss the biggest ones are the type who will do almost anything to get out of jury duty, probably.

Posted by: Mac Location: TX on Aug 8, 2008 at 07:10 AM
Ever wonder when female teacher is accused it is an affair, but when it is a male teacher, it is sex?

Posted by: k.adams Location: ecTx on Aug 8, 2008 at 12:52 AM
Would you people please realize this teacher is not just that, she's a daughter, a sister, a granddaughter, and a friend to many. She comes from a very strong and united family. It's very easy to form opinions and say mean things when you're on the outside looking in getting all your information from the mouths of tv reporters. What ever happened to being innocent until proven guilty? I guess that's just for the court room, because apparently out here in cyber space and across the globe we believe in instant condemnation until proven innocent.

Posted by: BoogerHook Location: Wacko Area on Aug 7, 2008 at 10:42 PM
You'd HAVE to be a teen age boy to hit THAT!

Posted by: Sam Bam Location: CenTx on Aug 7, 2008 at 09:51 PM
Well, sex offenders have to register and can not enter schools or teach. They get to notify local law agencies when they move, job change and get attention all the time. Go to, State of Texas DPS Sex Offenders and check it out. They get to be shamed for their entire life. So, keep it legal, private, and isolated.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 7, 2008 at 09:42 PM
All I want to know is how a teacher bonds out on a $300,000 bond in just a day or two? Somebody cares for this person to put up anywhere between $30,000-$60,000 up front.

Posted by: Sam Bam Location: TX on Aug 7, 2008 at 07:53 PM
Candy, have you look at her picture. I don't think he would be bragging about it. Oh yea, mary jane could do that to you.

Posted by: Candy Location: Waco on Aug 7, 2008 at 04:52 PM
You know when I went to school I had friends on the football team that said they where having sex with our pe coach I just wornder if that was true and if it was the guys where really proud of them selves so dont feel to sorry for the boy Im sure he bragged to all the girls and his friends until they got caught...

Posted by: Just say is all Location: Ft Hood on Aug 7, 2008 at 04:09 PM
Piper - What do you mean the 14 year old boys should not be in middle school. Are you saying people should advance to higher grades based on attitude and size?

Posted by: concerned Location: central texas on Aug 7, 2008 at 03:55 PM
Please, I beg all you to let the facts come out and remain open minded. I wish we lived in "Leave it to Beaver" land but we don't and 14 year olds are no longer what we expect them to be. Just check, how many youth are incarcerated for rape and murder? Is there more to the story? What is it that was false in her complaint? how have they come to this conclusion? I say all of this as a survivor of multiple years of sexual assault (the kind that is forced on you as a small child.) I have also seen cases were small children, ones who were truly innocent, had been abused and nothing not a write up in the paper, no arrest, nothing. So I pose another question, Are we using cases like this because we don't want to hear and see the true horror that is happening to our babies everyday. Nothing can ever make right the wrongs that have occurred in this situation but we can at least be honorable having dignity in all that we say here in our world of free expression. Good day to all.

Posted by: Dave #2 Location: Waco on Aug 7, 2008 at 03:54 PM
Sow Darwinian evolution in the public schools, reap animal instincts, animal behavior, and animal reactions.

Posted by: Just sayin is all Location: Ft Hood on Aug 7, 2008 at 03:51 PM
LN - Exactly. And if guilty, then punish her. And having a 14 year old of my own, who is actually a very good kid, I know what goes through their heads. I still would not absolve him of all blame. As an adult, she should know better, he should as well.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 7, 2008 at 02:23 PM
she come to my house and teach

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 7, 2008 at 01:56 PM
Tara is a victim of a crime. She is an innocent woman and the truth will come out sooner or later as to what really happened. You people should stop going by what the media always says and wait to hear the facts before attacking someones character. Someone you don't even know! Shame on all of you!

Posted by: LN Location: Robinson on Aug 7, 2008 at 01:00 PM
Holy cow! Whatever happened to innocent until proven guilty? Most everyone on this post is ready to string this teacher up over an accusation. And that is all an arrest means. She has been accused of it, not convicted of it. If she is guilty then by all means go ahead and hang her. But until then let the system work. Ya'll go take a cold shower and cool off.

Posted by: just sayin is all Location: Ft Hood on Aug 7, 2008 at 12:56 PM
To kadeshah Location: waco What? Its illegal, if shes guilty, she should serve her time. Whether or not you believe he was a lucky 14 year old, its just wrong. Dorks

Posted by: piper Location: waco on Aug 7, 2008 at 12:54 PM
There is more to this story. Some of those boys that are 14 should not be in middle school. I understand she was a special ed. teacher but some of those teens are well aware about the facts of life. Don't judge if you did not make the world.

Posted by: The Patriot Location: Texas on Aug 7, 2008 at 12:20 PM
Ok people, since you seem to know more facts than the story or the detectives on this case how about sharing them? Is the boy lying about the whole thing? If a 26 yr old adult has sexual relations with a 14 yr. old, it's Sexual Assault of a Child by LAW no matter the circumstances (unless he had a gun to her head). Now, if the whole sex thing is a lie and she never ever touched him, he will be the one to pay.

Posted by: susiebw Location: Kempner on Aug 7, 2008 at 12:06 PM
Stupid woman, whatever she gets, she deserves.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 7, 2008 at 12:01 PM
Don: why would he "probably be a minority", because you are racist?????

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 7, 2008 at 11:59 AM
Where did it say that he asked for the money and shoes, what if she just gave him the money and shoes thinking that the secret would be safe...ever think about that

Posted by: me Location: copperas cove on Aug 7, 2008 at 11:54 AM
ok lets put a different spin on this a 26 year old male teacher gets caught with a 14 year old girl how does that feel. Just cause it was a female teacher and a male student doesn't make it right. It doesn't mean the child is wrong. He should not be charged for anything. I have two sons that are 17 and 19 and if a teacher had done this to them at 14 it would not have been on them. She is a grown woman and took advantage of this kid. She should be treated as a child molestor.

Posted by: .... Location: Temple on Aug 7, 2008 at 11:11 AM
I guess the guys that wish they had teachers like this when they were in school were losers who couldn't get an girls at all?? grow up!!!!

Posted by: E.G. Grande Location: Waco on Aug 7, 2008 at 11:07 AM
Check out the neighbor in the video. Maybe they should investigate him. He's always rolling his sleeves up during the interview, like he's trying to hide something. Also, how many times can a guy say "shocking" during aninterview??? It's a sad, sad world when these things happen. I agree with all of you, in saying children are not "sex objects." I know if this happened to anyone I knew, I would be totally upset. But again, there are 2 sides to every story, so let's see how this one pans out.

Posted by: Sam Bam Location: TX on Aug 7, 2008 at 10:46 AM
I think it was an after school extra credit sex education class.

Posted by: mother Location: eaco on Aug 7, 2008 at 10:32 AM
I agree with mother also on the home life. My daughter does not get in the car with anybody first of all.I drive and pick up all the time so I am in control of that. And yes HE IS OLD enough to know what is going on he is not 2 years old. Some of my daughter's friends that are 14 look 19. Heck girls that age are having babies now days so they ALLL know what to do. Can't just be blamed on her because he is under age anymore.

Posted by: mother Location: waco on Aug 7, 2008 at 10:16 AM
i too believe there is more to this story! 14 year olds are not ALWAYS innocent. Mostly that innocence depends on the home life! In reality ~ that is probably where this started! don't judge people until you know the FACTS!

Posted by: Gail Location: CenTex on Aug 7, 2008 at 09:37 AM
I agree with Darrell also. If what we read is true; this former teacher must face consequences for what she did. She broke the law. However, a 14 year old boy is no pour defenseless little kid; my guess would be he was a very willing partner. Many 14 years olds look like grown men.

Posted by: NOT Location: Waco on Aug 7, 2008 at 09:32 AM
JustMeThinking, you have got to be kidding me! The kid didn't fully understand what was going on?? BULLCRAP!! He knew exactly what he was doing, is he not capable of thinking clearly?? He is just as sick as she is for doing what he did!!!

Posted by: Steven Location: Waco on Aug 7, 2008 at 09:29 AM
She had to been desperate to have sex with a young kid. She's the one that has to live with the guilt and shame. That young boy probably just see's it as just having some SEX. I know when I was in high school,20 years ago now, there was this boy, he was either a junior or senior, He got caught having sex in the classroom with the female art teacher. You see, it does happen.

Posted by: concerned Location: central texas on Aug 7, 2008 at 09:06 AM
"JUST ME THINKING" below needs to shut their mouth. If anyone knows anything about some of the kids at Brazos Middle School, they would know that more then half of them are NOT innocent and pure- several of the older boys have gotten in trouble for smoking marijuana... this child was not lured, this is a case of blackmail. The odds are higher that HE had the drugs, not the teacher.

Posted by: anonymous Location: waco on Aug 7, 2008 at 09:02 AM
there is MORE to this story. the media is making her out to be a monster.

Posted by: Anon Location: CT on Aug 7, 2008 at 09:02 AM
Sharon, the teacher tried to make a false report, not the teenager. Why do people want to read into stories things that simply are not there? What is here is that "she" picked him up in "her" car and took him to "her" apartment and they both smoked pot and had sex. And had sex at least 10 other times. Why would a female teacher even think about taking a young teenager boy to her apartment?

Posted by: triumph110 Location: 53726 on Aug 7, 2008 at 08:37 AM
This is happening all over the country. Go to www.schoolteachernews.com and click on the Scandal page. They have documented over 300 of these types of incidents since just the beginning of 2008.

Posted by: Don Location: Wacko on Aug 7, 2008 at 08:35 AM
This is a sad situation anyway you slice it. A teacher knows the limits & students know how to manipulate. The kid should be arrested for his part in this affair. He is NOT innocent & he was enjoying the whole thing & then at some point he cried foul! The boy is just as sick as the teacher. According to the law, Yes it is sexual assault but from where I sit the boy wanted his cake & eat it too. I'm sorry but all the blame is not the lady's. Kids learn mighty young through TV, video games & through the media how to manipulate the system. This kid is probably a minority & took this lady for a ride. Now he is the poor victim. A 26 year knows better. did it or did it not happen? Life is like a box of chocolates - you never know what you are going to get.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 7, 2008 at 08:29 AM
wish this could have happen when i was in school all my teachers were old

Posted by: Estaven Location: San Antonio on Aug 7, 2008 at 08:19 AM
Where were these ladies when I was in school?

Posted by: Randy Location: Waco on Aug 7, 2008 at 08:08 AM
That's right, let's blame the 14-year old. Come on, people! Who is the adult here? None of your b.s. matters. A trust and a law was broken. Now there are consequences. Motivation does not matter, extenuating circumstances do not matter. It is what it is. And it is perverted.

Posted by: Just Wonderin! Location: Robinson on Aug 7, 2008 at 08:06 AM
I'm with you Dave, Where were these teachers when i was in school. Granted the teacher is in the wrong for allowing this to happen, but to think this 14yr old is totally innocent and or had to be drugged to do this is ludicrous. This kid jumped at the chance to do it with a teacher.

Posted by: Parent Location: Waco on Aug 7, 2008 at 07:48 AM
Darrell: blackmail or not she should have never put herself in that situation and there would have been nothing to blackmail. She was the adult & educator, she crossed the line.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 7, 2008 at 07:47 AM
Sew her up. SICKO!!!!!!!

Posted by: Sharon Location: Killeen on Aug 7, 2008 at 07:12 AM
I agree with Darrell, there is more to this story. I don't condone what the teacher did for one moment,however sound like a case of blackmail to me...why did it take 10 times for the teenager to decided to report it?

Posted by: Craig Location: Waco on Aug 7, 2008 at 07:01 AM
Why didnt I have a teacher like that?

Posted by: Darrell Location: Texas on Aug 7, 2008 at 05:11 AM
While I agree that a teacher should never have relations with students, I suspect there is more to this story than is being reported. The news media is playing you folks for fools again. This was not a young child. This was a 14-year-old teenager with raging hormones, an outlawed substance was used, and she started buying him things. Sounds like a case of possible blackmail by the teenager to me. The 14-year-old teen isn't dumb and knows how to play the system. Although the teacher deserves punishment if found guilty, I think the PD needs to look at this teen as well and see what he is really up to.

Posted by: UKNOW Location: HERE on Aug 7, 2008 at 12:06 AM
SHE IS SOME PC OF "HARDDCORE".

Posted by: JustMeThinking Location: Central Texas on Aug 6, 2008 at 11:35 PM
One glance at her and you can tell she has some major problems! Just think she is a teacher around countless young children. I would bet this is not the first time she has done something like this. The only way she got this poor child to participate was to get him so high he did not fully understand what was going on. She lured him with gifts and no telling what else. She deserves life in prison without the possibility of parole. Get these perverts off of our streets, especially the ones closes to our children, so that these things cannot happen anymore. They will not stop this type of behavior and that has been proven over and over. By the way to the blogger who asked where teachers like this were when he was younger your a PERVERT also and need to be in a cell right beside her. Have you molested any children lately? Because, you sure sound like you are capable of it by your insane statement!!! That comment made me SICK!!

Posted by: nothing Location: somewhere on Aug 6, 2008 at 11:17 PM
This is a sad incident and the people making comments have no right to judge this individual and for god sakes learn how to write your words correctly... you know who you are

Posted by: anonymous Location: central texas on Aug 6, 2008 at 10:34 PM
leave her alone

Posted by: kadeshah Location: waco texas on Aug 6, 2008 at 10:17 PM
man thtas bad but at least she turned herself in but even thoe that wasnt worth it its not okay but it is cause hes s just a young kid still learning himself but is trying thats why i see that they have NOBODY'S FOOL for kids n or chuldren like us so that we can learn from thta !!!!!!! GOD BLESS THTA KID N I WE LOVE U YALL!!!!!!!!!!

Posted by: Rachel Location: Temple on Aug 6, 2008 at 09:42 PM
She should be jailed and then when she gets out never allowed back anywhere near a school building - let alone in a classroom

Posted by: Dave Location: Waco on Aug 6, 2008 at 08:45 PM
Where were these teachers when I was that young

Posted by: CK Location: MCgregor on Aug 6, 2008 at 08:31 PM
This is sick. These are the people we trust with our children every day, and then I hear something like this. It makes me very afraid to even let my children go to school.

Posted by: john boy on Aug 6, 2008 at 08:08 PM
sounds like a made up story to me. don't believe anything anyone in the media says.

Posted by: KDM Location: Waco on Aug 6, 2008 at 07:11 PM
Look at her picture. Can you imagine anyone but a desperate, hormonal teen wanting her?

Posted by: cj Location: temple on Aug 6, 2008 at 06:51 PM
eeeewwwwww! Only pervs can think of a child as a sex object.

Posted by: Prison Guard Location: Gatesville on Aug 6, 2008 at 06:45 PM
We have a sex offender program waiting for you.

Posted by: Anonymous on Aug 6, 2008 at 06:35 PM
dang man u got caught shame on yo soul

Posted by: Cheryl Location: Waco on Aug 6, 2008 at 04:58 PM
Shame On You!!!

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