The fate of a former Redwood City church school teacher who admitted having sex with a 16-year-old student is on hold for two weeks to give the boy a chance to speak with a probation officer whose report may define how many months she spends in jail.
Joan Marie Sladky, 28, was supposed to learn yesterday if sheÕll spend the maximum of a year in jail or if a judge will impose leniency. However, prior to sentencing, Judge Mark Forcum noted that an impact statement from the victim was visibly absent from the pre-sentencing probation report. The report suggests a nine-month sentence for Sladky although she was promised no more than a year in return for pleading no contest to one felony count of unlawful sexual intercourse.
After also hearing defense attorney Ed Pomeroy ask for a much lesser sentence, Forcum tabled his sentencing until Oct. 26 to give the boy a chance to speak if he wishes.
Sladky initially pleaded not guilty to four felony counts of unlawful sexual intercourse, one count of unlawful sexual penetration with a minor under 16 and one count of oral copulation with a minor but weeks later changed her mind and her plea. She admitted one count of intercourse with a minor more than three years her junior and prosecutors admitted even then her remorse would be a huge factor in sentencing.
Sladky was a high school Spanish teacher and taught at the private Redwood Baptist school, according to the District AttorneyÕs Office. Authorities were alerted after Sladky confessed the relationship to her pastor who in turn contacted police.
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According to prosecutors, the sexual acts between Sladky and the boy occurred on four separate occasions between December 2003 and Jan. 31, 2004 at the boyÕs home or her home.
While the victim has been hesitant to speak about the incident, his mother has participated with prosecutors and probation, said Chief Deputy District Attorney Steve Wagstaffe.
ÒJudge Forcum wanted the opportunity to hear from the victim because he said it was a very close call,Ó Wagstaffe said.
Sladky remains in custody in lieu of $175,000 bail.
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