A Vista teacher who pleaded guilty to having sex with her 17-year-old former student is pregnant with the teenager’s baby, prosecutors said in court Wednesday.
Kelly Watson, 34, was sentenced to probation on Wednesday for sexually assaulting the teenage male student she met in her class at the New Haven residential school in Vista. Watson may also serve some jail time.
Last year, sex crimes detectives received a tip about possible inappropriate sexual conduct between Watson and her former student. After investigating, detectives determined the pair dated several months ago.
The school where Watson worked "serves adolescent boys with emotional and learning challenges,” according to a statement issued by New Haven last year.
Watson worked as the boy's teacher for several semesters between September 2010 to August 2011.
Prosecutors revealed Watson’s pregnancy during today's sentencing and said she is due in April.
According to Watson’s defense attorney David Cohn, the romantic relationship between Watson and her former student began after Watson left the school.
However, Deputy District Attorney Mary Ellen Barrett says that doesn’t diminish the seriousness of the situation.
"The fact is she was his teacher. She was his leader. She was his mentor. Especially in the school he was in, trying to help him out of a bad situation. And, instead, she allowed that line to be crossed,” said Barrett.
Cohn insists his client is remorseful for what she’s done.
"She's taken responsibility,” said Cohn. “She wrote a very eloquent letter to probation regarding her responsibility and remorsefulness.”
Still, despite the Watson’s probation sentencing and possible jail time, Cohn says Watson and her former student-turned-baby’s father plan to continue their romantic relationship.
Cohn says the student has expressed that he would like to continue their relationship once he turns 18 and help Watson take care of their baby.
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The former student’s mother seems to stand behind the teen's decision to pursue a relationship with Watson in the future. In fact, his mother wrote a letter to the court saying she supports their relationship and is happy about the baby.
A court date has been set for next month to review Watson’s health.
Both the prosecutor and defense say her time served will be based on when the baby is born. As of right now, Watson will not have to register as a sex offender.
