The former Trigg County High School teacher who had an inappropriate relationship with a minor student will avoid jail time and could have her charges completely expunged.
Forty-year old Ashley Wells of Hopkinsville entered an Alford plea in November to one count of unlawful transaction with a minor in the second-degree, amended down from sexual abuse in the first-degree.
The deal came with a one-year sentence that would be felony pre-trial diverted for three years under the supervision of probation and parole.
Christian Circuit Judge John Atkins told Commonwealth’s Attorney Rick Boling he was ‘deeply troubled’ by the case at sentencing Wednesday morning, with Boling reiterating that the conduct happened when the boy was 17 and that it included kissing and possible touching in a sexual manner over clothes.
Asked if the family is okay with the deal, Boling said he considers the male the lone victim and he was on board with any plea agreement the Commonwealth and attorney Olivia Adams could come to.
Adams reiterated the plea deal was reached after lengthy negotiations and discussion and Judge Atkins went along with it, noting the charges could be expunged if Wells avoids any additional legal troubles.
Wells will not be required to register as a sex offender.