WHAT UTTER GARBAGE: THEY SHOULD HAVE GIVEN HER A MEDAL

In a case that has attracted worldwide attention, Margaret De Barraicua, the McClatchy High intern teacher arrested for having sex with a 16-year-old special-education student, agreed to a plea bargain Wednesday that carries a punishment ranging from probation to 16 months in prison. "The plea bargain is a compromise between the two competing views of what ought to be a punishment in the case," said De Barraicua's lawyer, Philip Cozens.

The 30-year-old woman, who appeared calm in court, declined to talk with reporters. The plea agreement was struck after Cozens and Deputy District Attorney Rochelle Hao met behind closed doors with Sacramento Superior Court Judge Talmadge R. Jones. "The offer made to the defendant is from the court and not from the District Attorney's Office," Jones said as he announced the details in open court.

Under the agreement, De Barraicua pleaded guilty to four counts of unlawful sex with a minor as felonies. Sentencing is scheduled for Nov. 18. In the meantime, two mental health experts were appointed by the judge to evaluate the woman, who has no prior criminal history. During previous court hearings, two dozen college professors, teachers, longtime friends, neighbors, a pastor and family members wrote letters saying De Barraicua, the mother of a toddler, didn't deserve prison time.

Prosecutors had wanted a sentence of two to three years in prison for De Barraicua, and also insisted upon registration as a sex offender for life, but the judge postponed that issue until sentencing.

More here



(And don't forget your ration of Wicked Thoughts for today)