Teacher Had Sex With Two Students And Used The Constitution In Her Defense | the Chronicle

Carrie Cabri Witt, 48, was a history, psychology, and social studies teacher at Decatur High School in Alabama, United States, until his arrest in March 2016 for having sex with two college students, 17 and 18, respectively.

The woman was released the same day she was arrested after paying a $ 10,000 deposit, but the legal process continued and could go up to 20 years in prison.

After 5 years, and going through several instances, in March of this year, before the start of the trial, the woman pleaded guilty.

What was most surprising, however, was the strategy of Witt and his lawyers during the trial. alleged that she had a constitutional right to have sex with students, since Alabama law states that anyone over 16 without a specific illness can consent to an intimate act.

In addition, his lawyers argued that the state law on sex between teachers and students violated his client’s privacy and equal protection rights set out in the 14th Amendment of the Constitution of the United States.

The penalty against the teacher

At trial, however, the prosecution argued, citing other state laws, that a school employee is prohibited from having sex with a student.

One of his victims testified in court and claimed that the relationship had been consensual and criticized legislation that prohibits educational staff from having relationships with students. “The crime does not correspond to the punishment”, the young man said, according to the local newspaper.

However, prosecutors argued that the law was necessary to protect children against possible sexual advances.

Finally, Witt was sentenced to 10 years in prisonAlthough he can serve most of his sentence on probation, having spent 18 months behind bars and an additional 18 months in a community corrections program.

In addition, cAs part of the sanction, you will be asked to Register as a sex offender.

Upon his conviction, Witt apologized for his actions. “I am ashamed”he said according to the Decatur Daily. “I don’t think I’ve ever been more ashamed of myself.”added.

Since her initial arrest, the woman has been on administrative leave for two years until her resignation.