Teacher who had sex with her student, fled to Mexico, pleads not guilty

Kelsey Peterson - Victimizer or Victim?

Accused in federal court of crossing a border to have sex with a minor, Kelsey Peterson appeared in court today for her arraignment and entered a plea of not guilty. Omaha's KETV Channel 7 web site has audio of the hearing. She is being held in the Cass County Jail.

Ms. Peterson, a 25 year old Lexington, Nebraska teacher that fled the country with her thirteen year old student, a 13 year old male juvenile delinquent and Mexican illegal immigrant. Evidently, rumors of their improper and illegal relationship were about to surface, so Kelsey sought a new life in Mexico with her boy lover. Now she could get 10 years to life in a federal prison. Peterson also faces various state charges stemming from the incidents.

Her lawyer, James Martin Davis, faces an uphill battle. He wants to get her out on bail, but the US Attorney argued that she was a flight risk, saying, "She professed to being in love with the victim ... and if given the opportunity she said would not do anything differently." Kelsey has agreed to undergo some sort of phony-baloney psych evaluation. Defense attorney Davis seems to think the psych test will persuade the court to bend the law for the air-headed but very local young teacher.

Miss Peterson is due back in Court December 10, when the judge will review the head shrinker's report, and hear further arguments on bail.

Contrast this with the John Monetti case, recently closed with the former Long Island teacher getting 12 years in the federal pen for a sexual relationship with a 15 year old girl. If you listen to Mr. Davis, the student is the victimizer, and poor, innocent Miss Kelsey should get a break.

What do you think? Double standard for the fairer sex? Mexican race card?
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Previously in the Plains Feeder:
November 02, 2007 - Kelsey & student sex toy: headed for Mexico?
November 08, 2007 - Kelsey Peterson & Fernando: an update
November 13, 2007 - Kelsey Peterson: revolting development
November 20, 2007 - Father of Kelsey's daughter gets custody
November 28, 2007 - Kelsey Peterson - she's back in Nebraska