Debra LaFave Charges Dropped

That was quick.

Local prosecutors have dropped the charges against Debra LaFave, the Tampa school teacher accused of having sex with her 14-year-old student.

The decision came only hours after a Marion County judge rejected a second plea deal in the case.

Sources told WESH 2 I-Team reporter Stephen Stock that this has been planned for weeks.

Comments

[academymom]

I find it interesting that the Mom refers to her son as "well-adjusted" and says he is doing well in spite of what happened with Lafave -- and yet there is a reference to him having "extreme anxiety from the intense media coverage."

Does that mean he has been more traumatized by the media than Lafave? Just an observation...

[NOTR]

This gives hope that once again randy 14 yr old boys might again be lucky enough to get molested like this! Yeah, I know I am supposed to be outraged by the incident, but I just can't manage it. Her real crime was "teachers" just don't do this. The real problem is that if every 14-16 yr old boy had his way ... they would.

[agent bedhead]

This is SO disgusting. Any man would be in for 15 years.

[annie]

What difference does it make whether the boy is 'well adjusted' or not. A crime was comitted, and it should be out of the hands of the victim to say what punishment she should get, and this should have nothing to do with how the victim turned out. The next time she does this, and she just might, as there is something definitely not right about this woman, the kid may be even younger, and may not turn out so well adjusted, no matter what these male fantasist bloggers on here want to pretend. This woman is a menace to society, and she should have been treated the same as any man or other woman would have been, given that they may not have been so physically attractive to the men involved who have made these decisions.

It is a disgrace to justice!

[Saigon]

I live in the Tampa area and I'm going to find out where Deborah works so that I can surpize her with some flowers. She's hot stuff and if we hook up I promise to post the hidden cam videos on Rhielworldview.

[itsjustme]

Too funny Saigon..She may not like you if you're too old,though.How old are you?

[abigail]

Yeah, hot stuff with some mental issues--you may want to stay away from her saigon until she's been on her meds for a few months! :)

[PoorPaulaNNJ]

Okay. Let me see if I understand exactly what this means.......
As long as the molester is 'deemed' attractive when they appear in court, then the sexual acts that they commit against children are not considered to be crimes. Yet as long as the molester is 'deemed' to be average looking or unattractive, then those same acts would be considered crimes resulting in an actual sentence of confinement within a penitentiary.
My question is this: What happens if a homely child molester dons a Halloween mask of "Prince Charming" or "Wonder Woman," during the sexual assault?????? Which category do they fall into when it comes to charges and sentences.
A monster is a monster: male/female, mask or not!

[afmomx3]

What in the world are they thinking?

Not yelling here , gotta say this;
WHAT IN THE HE-- IS THE DAM- DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A MALE CHILD MOLESTER & A FEMALE CHILD MOLESTER???... N O N E !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

IN RESPECT OF ALL THOSE OUT THERE WHO HAVE BEEN ARE IN SOME TYPE OF ON-GOING SITUATION.
afmomx3

[Saigon]

That's why I'm volunteering my services--free of charge--so that society can better understand the nefarious workings of a sex criminal like Lafeve. I'm even allowing a documentary crew to have everything recorded/filmed "gonzo" style in some warehouse in an industrial park in the San Fernando Valley.

[Observer*]

What bothers me...

It's not alone that she goes unpunished...it's that this case will set a precedent with other cases.
In addition to that, it sends a message out, that pretty is as pretty does. Yes, she is pretty but she should not have been held above the law.
The other aspect that bothered me is that she blames her 'mistake' on her mental disorder. I saw no remorse in her, and that has nothing to do with bi-polar. Nor did bi-polar have anything to do with her personal choices or mistakes.

Teachers to me are a special breed...and are supposed to represent education, for a child's future sake. They are not supposed to "pinky promise" a child into lying for their own deviated sexual advances.
Teachers should be held "even more accountable" for their actions.
Had the prosecutor does his job, he would have attempted to find others who fell victim to her.....I doubt this was the first, or the last. IMO

The student: He will now "sue the school" punishing other students, and other "real" teachers.

This case reminds me of a book I once read:

The beautiful side of evil.

Want to see what this same predator looks like in different skin?

Please visit, www.pervertedjustice.com

Evil and sick comes in many disguises.

[academymom]

Does anyone here have an appreciation for the awful trauma that would be inflicted on that young man if forced to testify (before TV cameras, no less)? Apparently, the State Attorney understood the harm that would cause, because that is why he said the charges were being dropped -- not because she is pretty, and not because she is female. The Mom is more concerned about her son's mental well-being than vengeance, and I applaud her for that because she is in a very tough spot.

[brent_e_1999]

First off I wonder how many on this site had a crush on their cute high school teacher? I know what this young teacher did was against the law but I really doubt she forced this young boy to screw her. I realize she should have been the adult here and told him it was wrong but she let the relationship happen. I think the law should be flexable meaning if the teacher raped the student by physical restraint or using black mail they should get the maximum sentence but if the two had consenual sex the punishment should only be probation plus lose all teaching abilities.

[strayze]

I too thought the defendant was a good looking lady. But listening to her talk really changed my mind. She has a really flawed priority of things. She seems to feel that the world revolves around her, and her self centeredness and self willfullness comes through loud and strong. Now that is really ugly, especially for her comments at this time. This (legal) expererience she catagorizes as a "bump" on the road. That is for her. But what about her victim, or does he even count?? Then she lays heavy blame on the media. Would there ever have been media if she had refrained from her pedophilia? She never once owns up to pedophilia, but blames that on her manic/depressive illness. Now that's a real new one. I certainly hope that she gets some sort of help dealing with pedophila in addition to manic/depression, not that one can have high hopes. I suspect she will be back at it again, and another young boy will be her victim.

[annie]

I don't think it was only one boy that was involved with the stuff she was up to, because they were talking about 'the boys' involved. Did I hear somewhere that she was letting others watch what she and one of the boys were doing in the back seat.

Bet that has got some of the men who post on here salivating!! Grow up you idiots, these are kids!!

[Saigon]

Yes I am salivating.....can't help it. Talk to the creator....

[tj]

I am in no way justifying pedophia but there just seems to be differnces in male and female molesters. The young boy couldn't have consummated the act if he didn't respond and I just think that young girls are more sensitive. I certainly don't think that he is going to be traumatized by this event. But, she does have problems.

[Observer*]

"Never under estimate the power of a smile"

Does anyone here have an appreciation for the awful trauma that would be inflicted on that young man if forced to testify (before TV cameras, no less)? Apparently, the State Attorney understood the harm that would cause, because that is why he said the charges were being dropped -- not because she is pretty, and not because she is female. The Mom is more concerned about her son's mental well-being than vengeance, and I applaud her for that because she is in a very tough spot.

Posted by: academymom |

Yes, everyone here can understand the uncomfortable feeling of being questioned. But, if this young man can openly have sex in the back of car with his friends looking on.....I am not buying the fact he feels uncomfortable by being looked at. It would not cause any harm to have had him answer questions in court, it would actually have helped him develop internal structure and own up to the laws and become a responsible young adult. Part of being punished is to be embarrassed by your actions!

I do not agree with you, or the State attorney. If she was worried about her sons well being...Though it may be uncomfortable it is necessary to uphold the law and stand for what is proper and right. If he could not have done it for himself, then he should have been instructed that for "other" children, he would be doing the right thing.

The court proceedings and punishment..is the "vengeance" for breaking the law. Lady justice wears a blind fold, as not to single a person out because of how they look... pretty or ugly, race, or financial status.

His Mother is not in a tough spot. She has failed miserably at guiding her child correctly. The parents failed, and the legal system has let "all of us down".

Your excuse that he wouldn't want to be filmed in court, is mute. Simply said, the judge could have ruled "no camera's" in the court room.

You applaud the mother for teaching her child to let a pedophile walk free?

I guess if you stand up for nothing....you'll fall for anything.

[Observer*]

I have read repeated post's by some who feel that, the boy scored, no harm done.

Being molested, seems "not such a bad thing" because in this instance the perp is attractive...?
Do you know that adult male pedophiles....use a young females low self esteem to get them over to the "pinky promise" don't tell level?
"your so pretty" this will be our "secret". Sound familiar?

In my opinion... the damage is not necessarily done by the deed, but by what the deed represents.

It is a fact that "some" who are molested, go on to be molesters themselves. As during the process of being taken advantage of, it misguides the internal dialog of what is appropriate in future judement.
We are not supposed to act on every internal desire, there are lines....we must not cross. This young man "thinks" it's okay as he scored, then perhaps as an adult he will repeat the behavior as it's 'okay' so long as one is attractive.
Think I am far fetched?
Why do some children who are molested, grow up to have generally a hard time with feelings, attachments, trust....etc?
Why do you think.... that most serial rapist's, killers....are products of dysfunctional homes, or have a past history of abuse, and sexual abuse?
It is because, someone took advantage of them early on, and the perp* was not caught, nor paid with justice through the legal system. The child was victimized, and not told "he didn't earn or deserve" it. Kind neighbors, older relatives....Coaches, Big Brothers of America, as well as religious clergy....are some of roles the perps* played that have produced the Perp's you read about today.
No, not every person that was ever molested turns into a perp themselves, but it's a roll of the dice.
It is a fact....if one is molested it changes them inside on some level. It can cause problems down the road....anywhere from simple trust issue's to hating opposite genders to the point of assault and suicide, excessive promiscuity, drugs and alcohol abuse.

I had a brother that was molested by his piano teacher when he was 7, My brother committed suicide in his 40's.

This case, has caused a lot of damage... both to the families, and to us out here....who watched. It may not have been a murder... but it was an assault on "what's proper" especially since she was a teacher. She exploited a child, through her role as a care giver.
It will also effect how future cases of similarity are handled.

Yes, a small "bump" in the road.... can become a mountain....down around the curve.

[academymom]

Yes, everyone here can understand the uncomfortable feeling of being questioned. But, if this young man can openly have sex in the back of car with his friends looking on.....I am not buying the fact he feels uncomfortable by being looked at. It would not cause any harm to have had him answer questions in court, it would actually have helped him develop internal structure and own up to the laws and become a responsible young adult. Part of being punished is to be embarrassed by your actions!

I do not agree with you, or the State attorney. If she was worried about her sons well being...Though it may be uncomfortable it is necessary to uphold the law and stand for what is proper and right. If he could not have done it for himself, then he should have been instructed that for "other" children, he would be doing the right thing.

The court proceedings and punishment..is the "vengeance" for breaking the law. Lady justice wears a blind fold, as not to single a person out because of how they look... pretty or ugly, race, or financial status.

His Mother is not in a tough spot. She has failed miserably at guiding her child correctly. The parents failed, and the legal system has let "all of us down".

Your excuse that he wouldn't want to be filmed in court, is mute. Simply said, the judge could have ruled "no camera's" in the court room.

You applaud the mother for teaching her child to let a pedophile walk free?

I guess if you stand up for nothing....you'll fall for anything.

Posted by: Observer* | Thursday, March 23, 2006 at 09:11 AM

There are a lot of things I could say in answer to your posting, but instead I'll simply say that until you have actually stood in this Mom's shoes and walked a mile or two in them... it's impossible for you or anyone else to even BEGIN to understand or appreciate her dilemma.

The world as you see it is black and white -- and wouldn't life be so much simpler if that were only true?

[strayze]

Court trials are traumatic to adults, and even more traumatic to youngsters, especially in the area of illicit sex. Ask anyone who has had experience being the focus of a court trial, whether or not it is open to the public. It's unpleasant dealing with even one's own attorney, notwithstanding the opposing attorney. The communication is frequently dysfunctional or nonexistent. One can feel whipped around. If court is not filmed, there is still the court artists, and the hanging on to every word spoken under oath, frequently published out of context. There is no recourse for this save for a polite (unpublished) letter to the newspaper. Then there is the constant barrage of the press to the point where one has to replace one's phone number with a private one, making sure that family and friends, close or far away, are notified. Then there is getting out of one's driveway in the morning, and back into it later. The commotion to the neighborhood impacts all those who live within a block or two.

Finally, there is the dreaded emotional impact on an impressionable young person. I've known of one person who went into a state of dissociation at the trial, dissociation brought on by the extreme anxiety in dealing with opposing counsel, who was particularily ugly and unnecessarily brutal in their examination. Those youngsters who do testify in sex abuse cases indeed are heroes.

[Observer*]

The world as you see it is black and white -- and wouldn't life be so much simpler if that were only true?

Yes, it is easier to sit... and do nothing, isn't it?

Life is not simple, it takes standing up for morals...and responsiblity.
I dragged my kid to the check out to pay for candy he ate while we shopped. And if that were my kid. If he could take his pants down in public then he can take his humility down on public....and stand up and testify like a man. He used his thing....like a man.. he should have been made to stand up like one. If not for him self.....then for "other" children.
Some sit and let life go by.....oh poor me.....pity, pity...it's too hard... snivel* guess it takes all kind...

Your intitled to you opinion...and me...mine.

People used to like to hide...these things, family humility and all....save face,don't talk about it, we will look bad. Now, we are all paying the price for that kind of mind set.
So many....were sexually abused, and now the secrets are out and about...
walking amongst us.

All pedophiles.... need to be 'seen' it's got to stop!

Stand up for what is right, and you won't fall for anything.

"yes" we need some "Hero's"

[Mr. C]

Obviously, justice is NOT blind! Debra Lafave/Beasley has benefited from being pretty,female and of European descent. The world will see the test of the gender issue when Bobby Beasley a 25 yo Male charged with having sex with a female under the age of 16 in the same state. If Debra got home arrest,and all other charges dropped for a crime she had little choice but to admit to; so should all male counterparts if "justice" is blind.....right?
Wrong! The state/Co. should reopen the case and try her least face the prospect of gender descrimation contentions and a horrible precedent.
Does anyone know of the ethnicity of the victim in the LaFave case?
Would the serious charges be dropped and home arrest sentenced for the crime admitted if the sex offender was a 25yo African American math teacher and a 14yo female of European descent?

[satchmo]

This struck me as funny:

On Thursday night Keith Olberman on MSNBC was interviewing a doctor regarding Debra LaFave. The doctors name was and employer was listed under his picture on the screen. His employer was the "Karen Horney Foundation". I kid you not.