Ex-teacher admits to sex with student

WEST JORDAN — As part of a plea agreement, a former Copper Hills High School teacher admitted in court Thursday that she had sex with one of her students, a 16-year-old boy.

Melinda Lee Deluca, 30, entered a guilty plea to one count of third-degree felony attempted forcible sexual abuse.

She was charged in February with two second-degree felony counts of forcible sexual abuse, charges that carried a potential sentence of up to 30 years in prison if she was convicted. A third-degree felony carries a potential sentence of zero-to-five years behind bars, but Utah judges have the authority to suspend prison time and put individuals on probation.

Third District Judge Stephen Roth dismissed the other felony count against Deluca, ordered a presentence report and set sentencing for Dec. 15. Prosecutor Andrea Martinez said it has been difficult to come up with a suitable plea agreement but told the judge that the victim is satisfied with the deal.

"I'm glad she's willing to say she's done some things that aren't right because we've suffered quite a bit," the victim's mother said.

Deluca spoke, in a soft voice, only when questioned by the judge about the rights she was waiving by entering into a plea agreement and pleading guilty to a criminal charge.

In her plea agreement, Deluca admitted having sexual contact, including intercourse, with the boy, according to Deluca's lawyer, Earl Xaiz. Because of the boy's age, state law considers such sexual contact against the boy's will.

In another incident, Deluca claimed in July that she had been attacked by two men in her home, possibly in retaliation for this crime, and was flown to a hospital. Authorities say Deluca later told police she made up the story after they confronted her with evidence contradicting her claim of assault. Police said her injuries could have been self-inflicted.

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