A former teacher at Plymouth Christian Academy accused of having sex with a 15-year-old boy is expected to ask a Wayne County judge this morning to deviate from state sentencing guidelines and give her a lighter sentence if she pleads guilty.
Stephanie A. Stein, 32, of Canton has been charged with two counts of third-degree criminal sexual conduct, one count of using the Internet to communicate with another to commit a crime, and one count of distributing obscene material to a child.
She denies having sex with the boy, who had been her student.
Under state sentencing guidelines, if she pleads guilty to all four charges, she could be sentenced to between 4 years and 9 months to almost 8 years years on the minimum range, and up to 15 years at maximum.
Her attorney, Todd Flood, has submitted a request for a Cobbs evaluation, in which a judge will be asked to calculate a probable sentence in light of her personal circumstances.
Flood wrote that Stein has no criminal history, poses no future threat of offending, has two young children depending on her, has an exemplary work and educational history and has overwhelming support from her family.
Stein said she believes her sentencing range should be 2 1/2 years to 4 years and 2 months, Flood wrote.
Wayne County Assistant Prosecutor Lora Weingarden opposes a lighter sentence.
Stein was offered a deal in which she would plead guilty to one count of third-degree criminal sexual conduct and 30 months to 15 years. But "she rejected it so it was off the table," Weingarden said.
Stein and the boy began a relationship in January 2007 that ended in September. On Sept. 28, the boy testified at a preliminary examination that he and Stein had sex during the summer at his home, at Stein's mother's home and at a hotel. Stein also sent a nude photo of herself to the boy, investigators said.
"Ms. Stein's actions were motivated by physical, emotional and psychological pain rather than a desire to do something illegal," Flood wrote, citing a therapist's evaluation.
Circuit Court Judge David Groner will hear the case.
Note from Gag:
Call me crazy but I would do this chick in a second. I mean you have to admire a gal who's ballsy enough to tell the judge what her sentence should be after being caught diddling a 15 year old boy at a Christian Academy.
Also, I like the babes who freely share their nude pics. Even if they're ugly, you, at least, have something to blackmail them with later.
