Usually hot teachers get a slap on the wriste and probation. But not this time. Oh wait, she's not hot? (That's her in the middle of the picture) Never mind. The status quo remains the same.
Amanda Watkins showed no emotion Thursday when she learned she would spend the next 10 years in prison for the 2009 rape and sodomy of a 15-year-old boy. The former Sheffield Junior High School teacher stood in silence when Colbert County Circuit Court Judge Jackie Hatcher delivered the verdict. Some of Watkins' family members sobbed quietly in the courtroom after the verdict was read. Watkins, 39, was convicted of second-degree rape and second-degree sodomy Nov. 3.
Hatcher told Watkins she will serve a 20-year split sentence that includes five years for each offense, to serve consecutively. Watkins had faced 2-20 years in prison for each count. During the sentencing hearing, Watkins' defense attorney, Ralph Holt, said his client has suffered repercussions from her actions. Holt said she is a first-time offender with psychological issues, lost her job and teaching certificate, and will have to register as a sex offender. "She's a great candidate to be placed on probation," Holt said.
Angela Hulsey, an assistant Colbert district attorney, countered that a Colbert jury found her criminally culpable for her actions and determined she understood those actions. "There has been a great deal of pain and anguish suffered by the victim, as well," Hulsey said.
The victim and his mother sat in silence behind the prosecutors' table, while Watkins sat across from them at the defense table.
Watkins was accused of having sex with the teen in the back seat of her car Dec. 19, 2009. She was charged with second-degree rape and second-degree sodomy. She was fired from her job in January 2010 and did not appeal the firing.
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