Tooele High School employee sentenced in sex case

TOOELE — Leslie Baird spoke softly and simply.

"I ... I took advantage of them, this situation. I exploited them," the former Tooele High School resource administrator told the judge. "I can't take that back. I wish I could."

Baird, 42, took responsibility for her role in a sexual affair with two students last year. During her sentencing here in 3rd District Court, Baird was ordered to spend a year in jail. She was also given three years probation.

"We trust our teachers," Judge Mark Kouris told Baird. "When people prey on our students after we entrust them, that's a problem."

The judge initially handed down a one-to-15 year prison sentence for Baird, which brought about gasps from a crowded courtroom. Kouris stayed the sentence, ordering Baird to serve three years of probation, including sex offender treatment, a mental health evaluation, community service, supervision around minors, no contact with the victims and restitution for their counseling.

"I think you've been given quite a deal here," Kouris said.

Baird's family left the courtroom without commenting. The victims' families also declined to comment.

Tooele County prosecutors said Baird was chaperoning students at a school dance last August when she met up with a 17 and 18-year-old boy at a convenience store afterward.

"It went from there," deputy Tooele County Attorney Gary Searle told reporters outside of court.

After the sexual encounter, prosecutors said Baird sent a text message to one of the young men. A parent saw it and alerted authorities. Baird struck a plea deal with prosecutors, pleading guilty to a single charge of forcible sex abuse, a second-degree felony.

Baird's attorney acknowledges she received a lighter sentence because she is a woman. Male teachers involved in similar scandals have received prison time.

"You might suggest it was lenient because of her gender," William Parsons told reporters. "I believe it was fair."

Parsons said Baird is "repentant and humble" and knows she made a bad decision.

"She is very cognizant of the fact that you can't allow childish behavior to supercede adult wisdom," he said.

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