Leroy Teacher Sentenced

By Jessica Taloney Reporter

A former Leroy Middle School teacher will spend the next ten years in prison. Leroy Teacher Sentenced

Published: Mon, June 02, 2008 - 7:00 pm

Jessica Taloney

A Washington County middle school teacher will spend the next decade in prison.
Charlene Schmitz, 55, was sentenced Monday to two concurrent sentences of ten years and one month for using a computer and cell phone to make sexual advances on one of her eighth grade students.
The former Leroy Middle School teacher still faces state charges of rape and sodomy in a trial that is scheduled to begin next fall.
"All of us who have kids have to be able to feel safe," said federal prosecutor Maria Murphy. "We hope this sends a strong message to teachers."
"I pity her, I really do," said Donna Marks, the victim's mother, who took the stand during the sentencing hearing. "Not only has she hurt my son but she has hurt her own children," said Marks.
Marks left the courthouse arm in arm with the victim's grandmother after what was an emotional afternoon.
During the hearing, the prosecutor showed a poster-sized copy of the sexually explicit messages exchanged between Schmitz and the 14 year old boy, saying the two had sex ten times.
Marks testified that Schmitz, who was her son's eighth grade reading teacher, was someone she once trusted.
Schmitz's attorney, Donald Briskman, says they plan to appeal the conviction and the sentence within the next ten days.
The state trial is scheduled for November.