Hot to Trot Teach Learns What 15 Will Get You 20 Is All About

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from www.sunherald.com - Former school teacher Katryna Martin has been sentenced to 20 years in prison for having a sexual relationship with a female student she had been tutoring in her home.

Martin, 29, pleaded guilty Monday on charges of sexual battery, touching of a child for lustful purposes and two counts of exploitation for using her cell phone to set up meetings with the girl.

Circuit Judge Roger Clark gave her a total of 20 years and suspended 13 years, leaving seven to serve, followed by five years of probation.

Assistant District Attorney Joel Smith said Martin must serve the seven years day-for-day without eligibility for early release because of the nature of the crimes. She also must register as a sex offender the rest of her life after release from prison.

The girl was 14 when Martin began tutoring her off-campus. Martin admitted the girl was 15 when they began having a sexual relationship. Martin on Monday told the court she never meant for it to happen and she apologized to the girl’s family and to her own family, Smith said.

Martin was a science teacher and basketball coach at North Gulfport 7th & 8th Grade School when she was arrested in 2009.

Smith said Martin’s attorneys provided the court numerous letters of support on her behalf. Her mother and pastor also addressed the court and asked for leniency. Martin’s mother tearfully said her daughter had never been in trouble before and testified she had been a wonderful child and was always involved in church, Smith said.

“The victim’s family is very satisfied with the sentence handed down by the court and relieved that the victim will not have to go through the emotional trauma of a trial,” Smith said. “Their family will finally be able to close this chapter of their lives.”

Martin was charged with the statutory rape of a 15-year-old boy after the charges involving the girl were made public. Smith said that charge was dismissed at the boy’s request.