Photo: FLLewis/A Writer’s Groove — David Starr Jordan Middle School in Burbank
The 33-year-old David Starr Jordan Middle School teacher who reportedly confessed to Burbank police that she had a seven-month long sexual affair with one of her 14-year-old male students last year, entered a plea in Burbank Superior Court today.
Amy Beck pleaded “no contest” to two counts of having sexual contact with a minor. Originally Beck faced at least four charges, but she reportedly got a plea deal. That’s no surprise. Beck’s case has had some strange twists from the get-go, which have suggested some sort of deal was in the works. On March 8, Beck turned herself in to Burbank Police. Her attorney, Michael Williamson, says she did it because, “…she was filled with guilt.” Then the ex-English and social science teacher refused to post bail, opting to stay behind bars so she could reportedly help detectives with the investigation.
KNX-1070 newsradio reported today that Beck could have faced a sentence of up to 18 years behind bars. Under the plea deal, she could get two years in state prison. One thing the deal could not change, when Beck gets out of prison she’ll have to register as a sex offender. Beck is the mother of three children and is married to a Los Angeles Police Officer.
Beck is due to be sentenced on May 7.
So what is wrong with the plea deal? I rather the teacher get punished (possible prison sentence and register as a sex offender) for something small so my child wouldn’t have to testify and be part of a media blitz. I am sure you would love your child up there on the witness stand, I would not.
The media wants their story, they don’t give a hoot about victim. Kind of like you and your selfish reporting.
Burbank Taxpayer,
Clearly you didn’t read my post or you are so blinded by your own agenda your comprehension is out of wack. I believe the teacher should have received a stiffer sentence.
Get off your high horse. No one wants the victim to be victimized again. And there is no reason why a tougher sentence for the teacher would do that. Bottom line, Beck has a good lawyer who got her a good deal.
Also, media reports on cases like this send a message to sex offenders that society will punish and hold them responsibile for their actions.
Don’t like my reporting. You don’t have to visit.
How can anyone think that Fronnie was advocating a high profile trial to drag the victim in? Where did that come from?
I’m a little suspicious as well about this whole case. It makes no sense for the teacher to have gone public with the confession (by going to the police) because it jeopardized the child’s privacy. If she went to an attorney first he would had to have turned her in, but what prompted that?
I think something more was going on– imminent disclosure, probably, and she was tipped off about it first. Anyway it’s a tough call. What would most parents have wanted? — a guilty, self-absorbed confession, or silence to protect the child? Mine would have chosen silence.
Mike Gatto is endorsed for state assembly by Councilman Golonski. You want to know why ? Watch this video and see who Mike Gattor hangs out with and how he discusses issues.
http://www.youtube.com/user/301AD#p/u/11/cLS61TC6HNc
Hey Fronnie,
Have you seen this? What is your take on the Assembly race…Would love to hear your thoughts as you have not written about it.
http://www.youtube.com/user/301AD#p/u/12/cLS61TC6HNc