Teacher Sex Plea Deals Up In Air

Judge's Ruling Could Affect Debra Lafave's Pacts In 2 Fla. Counties

(CBS/AP)  Lazoritz said the victim had trouble even talking about details of the case and was terrified that the intimate details of the sexual encounter would be played out in the courtroom and the public arena.

He added that the boy's grades are slipping, and he's failing algebra.

Marion County prosecutor Ric Ridgway said accusations that Lafave may avoid prison because "she is a woman" or because of "the idea that she's too pretty to go to jail" are ludicrous. The deal is solely a result of the family's wishes to maintain their privacy, he said.

If the case goes to trial, someone will have to pay the price, Ridgway said.

"The price is being paid by a 15-year-old boy who shouldn't have to pay that price," he said.

Lafave, dressed in a conservative black suit, sat expressionless during the hearing. Her attorney, John Fitzgibbons, said they had worked with the prosecution to protect the privacy of the alleged victim.

"It seems very clear if this case does resolve in trial there would be some significant harm to the young man," Fitzgibbons said.

There was a noticeable difference in Lafave's garb, reports Bill McGinty of CBS affiliate WTSP-TV in Tampa: a black electronic monitoring bracelet on her right ankle, part of the plea deal from Tampa.

Judge Stancil said he was concerned that the family might later decide to file a civil lawsuit, which would defeat the purpose of the deal. He said he needed more time to consider the matter.

"One of the most treasured resources we have are children. For twelve years of their life, the years when they are the most vulnerable, we place them in the hands of those in the teaching profession," Stancil said. "Teachers are very special and we place great trust in them to do what is morally and ethically right."