CINCINNATI (WKRC) - A judge has sentenced a former Sycamore High School teacher to one year of probation for having a relationship with a student. In court, the charge against Jennifer Walsh, 27, was further amended to a lesser charge.
Walsh pleaded guilty last month to one count of gross sexual imposition. On Friday, the assistant prosecutor amended the charge to interference with custody. He said he did so after talking to the victim, her mother and law enforcement.
Walsh was a special education teacher at Sycamore. She also coached junior varsity ladies lacrosse. She resigned around the time the allegations surfaced.
The student, who is now 18, told the judge on Wednesday that she has not been harmed. "I know in my heart that I'm completely in love with this woman, without a doubt."
The detective investigating the case also spoke on Wednesday and asked for the minimum sentence. He told Judge Jody Luebbers that he believes there is real love between the two.
The judge said she'd never presided over a case like this.
The judge could have sentenced Walsh to a year in prison but didn't believe Walsh was sexual predator. She did warn Walsh that if she violated the conditions of her probation she would go to prison.
