Text Size

Teacher In Sex-With-Student Case Gets House Arrest, Probation

Judge Says Remorse Played Role In Sentencing

POSTED: Monday, November 17, 2008

UPDATED: 5:09 pm EST November 17, 2008

KISSIMMEE, Fla. -- A 32-year-old Central Florida teacher who admitted to having sex in her home with a 16-year-old boy who was her former student was sentenced on Monday to two years of house arrest and eight years of probation.

The state was requesting more than five years in prison for Sarah Joel, a married mother of three who taught at Narcoosee Community School.

"Somehow it's become OK for a female teacher to have sex with a child with no punishment, while a man would go to prison," Assistant State Attorney Amy Chandler said.

Nearly two dozen family and friends of Joel, including her husband, were in court to show their support for her.

Chandler grilled Joel, suggesting that the portrayal of her as a good mother was not true.

"So devoted that you had sex while your kids were in the house?" Chandler asked.

The judge said Joel's remorse and the fact that the incidents were isolated factored into his decision.

The teen victim's mother told Local 6 News that she was upset with the sentence, saying Joel needs to pay for what she did.

Text Size

Links We Like

Video & Live Events

Most Popular

StoriesClick to Expand
- 3 Suspended In Disney Monorail Crash
  Three Disney employees are placed on paid leave pending the investigation into Sunday's fatal monorail crash, according to a Disney spokeswoman.
- Disney Pilot Made Dream Come True
  Days before Austin Wuennenberg was killed in a monorail crash at Disney, he helped make a 4-year-old boy's dream come true.
- Cops: Clerk Cut Self, Faked Robbery
  A clerk at a pizzeria cut himself and falsely reported an armed robbery to cover up his drug habit, sheriff's deputies say.
- Student-Sex Teacher Gets 5 Years
  A former Central Florida middle school teacher who pleaded guilty to having sex with a student is sentenced to five years in jail.
- Deadly Disney Crash Investigated
  Officials investigate the first fatal accident in the 38-year history of Walt Disney World's monorail.
VideosClick to Expand
- 1 Dead In Disney Monorail Crash
  A Walt Disney World employee was killed when two monorails carrying at least five guests collided at Magic Kingdom, emergency officials say.
- Family's Home Video With Monorail Crash Victim
  A Connecticut family recently spent time with Austin Wuennenberg, the Disney monorail pilot that died in an accident on Sunday.
- Disney Monorail Crash Investigated
  The National Transportation Safety Board continues to investigate the deadly Disney monorail collision.
- 1 Dead In Disney Monorail Crash
  A Walt Disney World employee was killed when two monorails carrying guests collided at Magic Kingdom, officials say.
- Human Error In Monorail Crash Investigated
  After releasing a preliminary report, the National Transportation Safety Board's investigation into the deadly Disney monorail collision is going in a new direction.
SlideshowsClick to Expand
- Underground Marijuana Grow House Uncovered
- Deadly Disney Monorail Crash
  A 21-year-old Walt Disney World employee was killed when two monorails collided near Magic Kingdom.
- Catholics Say Tree Stump Looks Like Mary
  Thousands flock to a small church in Limerick, Ireland, to pray at the stump of a recently cut tree that many believe looks like the Virgin Mary.
- Flowers, Cards Overwhelm Jacksons' Home
  Since Michael Jackson died June 25, fans from around the world have expressed their grief in flowers, balloons, teddy bears, candles, pictures and handwritten notes left throughout the city.
- Strange Stories 2009

Marketplace

JobsClick to Expand
- Interview Take-Along Checklist
  You’re interviewing for a job tomorrow, and you think you’re prepared. We’ve created this handy checklist so you won’t forget a thing.
- Select The Right Career Path
  Whether you're a college student preparing for graduation or an established professional unsure about a midlife change, deciding upon a career can be difficult.
- Avoid These 7 Cover Letter Mistakes
  While some employers don't bother reading cover letters, most do. And they will quickly eliminate you if you make these mistakes.
- Job Termination & Your Resume
  No matter how you left, you need to present the best accomplishments you made at the job to prospective employers.
DegreesClick to Expand
- Earn Your Degree On Your Own Terms
  Finding it hard to juggle work and school? Find out how you can get a great education that fits your needs both inside and outside of the classroom.
- Learn To Set Goals For Higher Education
  Setting goals is an essential piece of the puzzle when it comes to making the most of your educational experience.
- Let Technology Help You In The Classroom
  By utilizing cutting edge technology in the classroom you can greatly enhance your educational experience and get a leg up on the competition.
- Office Of Learning Assessment
  University of Phoenix is committed to promoting a culture of continuous quality improvement across the institution.
AdviceClick to Expand
- 5 Keys To Automatic Retirement Plans
  If you're saving for retirement, know these five things about automatic enrollment 401(k) plans.
- Home, Condo Rentals Trim Vacation Costs
  Renting a home or condominium can make your next vacation less expensive and more luxurious.
- Save On Electricity With Off-Peak Rates
  This month's Frugal Sense winner saves on electric costs by taking advantage of off-peak rates.
- 3 Recession-Busting Gadgets
  In tough times, these three bare-bones gadgets can help stretch budgets.
HomesClick to Expand
- Using Technology To Sell Your Home
  In a crowded home-selling market, making your home stand out from the competition is key -- but it can be a challenge.
- Get Great Staging Tips For Your Whole House
  Have a problem room that's hurting your chances for a quick sale? Get tips here.
- Take The Drama Out Of Home Buying
  Minimize the stress of home buying with these 10 action steps, strategies & insider secrets.
- A Primer On Purchase Offers
  Don't commit to more than you can comfortably afford for a home.
- Find A Great Real Estate Investment
  Boost your odds for a successful resale down the road with these four essentials.
Education FinanceClick to Expand
- Parent, Not The Child, Controls 529 Plan
  A savings plan may be for your college education, but the parent decides what goes in and comes out.
- Colleges Offer Free Online Materials
  Many colleges and universities offer free online undergraduate and graduate-level course materials.
- Peer-To-Peer Sites Offer College Loans
  Four peer-to-peer lending sites offer loans for students and parents seeking college funding.
- Finding Financial Aid As A Married Student
  When it comes to getting college money, marriage can be an advantage instead of an obstacle.

Teacher In Sex-With-Student Case Gets House Arrest, Probation

Judge Says Remorse Played Role In Sentencing

StoriesClick to Expand

VideosClick to Expand

SlideshowsClick to Expand

JobsClick to Expand

DegreesClick to Expand

AdviceClick to Expand

HomesClick to Expand

Education FinanceClick to Expand

Features