Deseret News | Teacher pleads not guilty to raping student

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Teacher pleads not guilty to raping student

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Big Dog | 9:48 a.m. March 16, 2009

Wow all the stupid people who think they can have sex with a student and not get caught.

Anonymous Continued... | 11:17 a.m. March 16, 2009

Their careers are ruined no matter what, their character is and will be forever slandered, and guilty or innocent whenever and whereever they are people who know or recognize them will wonder about the facts. I am lucky, very few people know about my situation, those close to me know my true character and what didn't ever take place not even once. Others who are aware and know of me and the situation wonder, "Did He Really Do It?" It is so sad to have questions lingering in the back of peoples minds, even some of your friends who say "I just don't know?" Word of advice, ALWAYS PROTECT YOURSELF! 1: Never be alone with a kid, ever, take someone else with you if you have to give them a ride home. 2: If you have to take kids somewhere, take them in a group of two or more so there are witnesses to any accusations, 3: Don't allow kids to sit on your lap, 4: Avoid places or positions that compromise may compromise your integrity. 5: Never travel alone with someone of the opposite sex. TRUST ME, YOU CAN'T TRUST ANYONE, You never know!

Ace | 11:37 a.m. March 16, 2009

Do you think a male teacher would have walked out the front door with friends or the side door with a deputy?

Comments continue below

John Charity Spring | 11:39 a.m. March 16, 2009

The previous comment makes some interesting points. It is truly distressing that we live in a time when incidents of sexual abuse by teachers against students are becoming more common. Sadly, it is a result of our society as a whole becoming more and more immoral. Our education system must combat this plague by instructing both teachers and students in the old fashioned values of morality, chastity, and respect for others.

Mother of Eight | 1:12 p.m. March 16, 2009

The education system cannot teach teachers and even children morality. It must start in the home. It is sadly, why our schools are such a failure. Children are no longer being taught the essentials in their homes.

anon | 1:39 p.m. March 16, 2009

I don't expect the schools to teach my kids morality! I don't expect them to teach my kids anything! Just another story that reminds me why I keep them home!

Its ridiculous that parents don't interview each and every teacher that is part of their child's day. We interview babysitters, day car workers, etc. but we send them off to school and don't give a second thought to what our teachers views and positions are, let alone their criminal history.

Sounds to me like the boy has issues too!

craig | 1:41 p.m. March 16, 2009

The article mentions that neither teacher knew about the other. So this "boy" just happen to get molested independently by two teachers. NOT. He bears some responsibility and needs to be found guilty of abuse and sentenced to juvinelle jail. It certainly sounds like he brought it on.

Worse? | 6:41 a.m. March 17, 2009

Is our world worse, or are people just more open? If all the deeds of the past came to light, most of us would be disgusted. This never would have gone public if one of the teachers had not come forward and confessed. How many children and adults are suffering in secret for dirty deeds that will never be known?

Sneelock | 8:22 a.m. March 17, 2009

The previous comments represent an attitude of complete disrespect for the victims of sexual abuse. How on earth can you say that a 13-14 year old was the instigator of the crimes? These women are 30 years older than the boy--they knew better and he didn't. This is a complete double standard that should not be tolerated. Women should not be given a free pass to commit sex crimes.

Laura | 8:39 a.m. March 17, 2009

ARGGGGGGGGGGGGGG!

"Bowers' attorney said Monday that she feels remorseful about what happened.

"She's embarrassed and has a lot of thoughts for the victim," Gallegos said."

But she pleaded not guilty! How can she not be guilty and make these statements?

Put the lawyer on trial!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! I hate these games!

Shame on our system that allows for such conduct!

Pray for the boy and the likely victims who are yet undiscovered.

Milt | 8:42 a.m. March 17, 2009

To Craig: The youth, the boy- is a child he is not ever responsible for any of these acts. END Of STORY! For heavens sake, REGARDLESS OF GENDER the adult is the abuser, the responsible party! Women do more abusing overall (look up statistics form the fed. government). It is true that in domestic violence men who abuse do more damage, BUT women are doing more abusing than men. Male children are innocent victims to be protected, defended, and cherished every bit as much as female children.

MJH | 8:55 a.m. March 17, 2009

While the responsibility certainly lies with the teacher, 13-14 year old boys are certainly capable of being forward with adults. I recently taught 5th grade in an inner city school in Virginia and was truly surprised with how "adult" these students are. I think it has alot to do with environment and what they are allowed to watch at home. The bad stuff is in their face 24 hours a day, if allowed. I feel sorry for all of those involved.

s | 8:59 a.m. March 17, 2009

Laura, read the article closer and you will see that you have attributed statements of one teacher who has confessed to the other teacher who has not confessed.

Reader | 9:00 a.m. March 17, 2009

Milt, don't think this "boy" is totally blameless and sweet and naive. I think he was playing with these teachers' heads as much as they were playing with his. Everyone is to blame here, assuming the allegations are true.

The only way | 9:10 a.m. March 17, 2009

The only way for perpetrators and victims (and their families) to heal completely is for the perpetrator to tell the truth and take the consequences. What a court system we would have if attorneys would live by this principle! As I understand this article, it sounds as if the "not guilty" plea is to open dialogue for a fair consequence to the perpetrator by avoiding a trial (painful to all involved), which will also save lots of $$$ in trial costs. If my assessment is correct, kudos to all.

WHAT???? | 9:33 a.m. March 17, 2009

ARE you kidding me? Adults that think the boy is responsible for these ladies not keeping their hands off? They couldn't help themselves?

TEACHERS are adults. They KNOW the difference between an adult relationship and a JR. HIGH STUDENT! YOU PEOPLE sicken me that think otherwise!
Consider: Two teens walk down the street--They see your car in the driveway. The keys are in it. The boys TAKE the car! It was SO available, such a nice car, a nice color! The boys had NO CHOICE but to take it!
Consider: Two girls in the Mall...beautiful clothes on the rack! The clothes are TOO ENTICING, they can't resist, they TAKE the clothes! They had no choice, the clothes were to blame...they were too nice!
Consider: You walk by a garage, the door is open, you see an expensive bike, you just HAVE to take it, because, heck, the bike it so available. You have NO responisibility to leave the bike alone. The bike is NOT YOURS...but hey....TV makes it so hard these days!
LADIES, go to jail, NO plea deal! You betrayed the child! CHILD people. Send a message! gcweber

Cats | 9:38 a.m. March 17, 2009

Actually, it does say that Bowers is "remorseful." That is a little odd in view of the fact that she is pleading not guilty.

There is no doubt in my mind that the kid is the instigator in this whole thing. Of course, he is not LEGALLY responsible but he is old enough to know this is wrong.

The teachers are both legally and morally responsible. They're the adults and they should have put a stop to any advances, encouragement, flirting or anything else the kid might have done. But, you won't ever make me believe that this kid is so irresistible that two teachers, unbeknownst to each other, just lost their minds and attacked.

I think this kid really played upon the loneliness and neediness of these women. Again, he doesn't have the maturity to see how serious the consequences are, but he knew it was wrong.

These women are going to pay a heavy price for being really stupid. They have the maturity to know better. The kid is going to skate.

And, REALLY, who would want to have sex with a thirteen year old anyway.....YUK!!!!

What? | 9:45 a.m. March 17, 2009

Shame, poor innocent boy. I am sure that he never enjoyed himself one bit! Quite pathetic that 2 grown women would fall for him. They are sick and need help, BUT please don't make the mistake of thinking that this young casanova does not need help.

Emjay | 9:47 a.m. March 17, 2009

To The Only Way: When someone pleads "not guilty" they are heading for a trial. It's only when you plead "guilty" that you avoid a trial. Bowers has plead "not guilty."

This kid is absolutely at least partially responsible for this situation. He's legally underage, but he's old enough to know what he was doing was wrong. I think it is quite clear that he instigated the whole thing. I wonder how many other teachers he was trying to get it on with.

The kid is clearly in trouble and needs counseling. They all do. The teachers also clearly need help. Unfortunately for them, they will probably end up in jail. I hope the kid gets some kind of serious rehab. I also think the kids parents probably have some resonsiblity, as well. I hope this can be worked out so the least damage is done to everyone.

Whiggy | 9:55 a.m. March 17, 2009

You people are guilty of practicing a complete double standard. You want equal protection, but you want these criminals to be treated better (unequal) than male defendants would. If these teachers were male, they would not be out walking the streets and the public would be calling for vengeance.

To: Emjay from The only way | 10:17 a.m. March 17, 2009

If you will read the article, you will find in the second paragraph, "Rich Gallegos told reporters outside the courtroom that they were looking to negotiate a plea deal with Davis County prosecutors." I don't think I was wrong to say that they are trying to work out a deal, since they said it. But thanks for your opinion.

Milt | 10:18 a.m. March 17, 2009

Folks, Listen to me. A child is NOT responsible at all when it comes to these matters! For heavens sake think about what you are saying! Do you think that a female child who dresses sexy, is flirty, is open, is inviting-- that she is responsible for being raped, assaulted and abused by an adult man?!!
The victims are not to blame. The victims are not to blame! The human male child victim is not to blame - any more than a female being raped is to blame for the evil choices made by the adult abusers!

We cannot have and should not have a double standard about boys can't be victims as much as girls can be! A 14 yo child is a 14 yo child is a child..... regardless of anatomy, gender, background,propensity to manipulate, physical maturity, etc etc etc.

These adult women should do the perp walk and serve time if the courts show them to be guilty. Shame shame shame on these criminals. Women can be and are frequently abusers and we need to quit with the double standards in our society when it comes to blame.

Male vs Female | 10:31 a.m. March 17, 2009

Male teacher, as a rule they are not needy to where they will go after a child. If they do, it is because they are pedifiles and have a attraction towards children.

Female teacher, as a rule they are needy and need justification, women thing that physical affection is love and validation, WRONG!!!!, physical affection is a man or boy wanting to fulfill their physical needs.

Male child, yes they are the minor, but male children are in gangs, they rape, they do drugs and they kill. If this male child killed your family member, would you be as forgiving as you are if he sleeps with and adult woman? If it was only one teacher, I would put it all on the teacher, but for two teachers, not knowing about the other, then this boy was manipulating and playing on these women who were needing validation. Shame on him, but shame on these teachers for being so needy on a job.

Female child, I would say that most of them are the real victim, they do not have the same sexual drives as an adult man, woman or teen boy. Wonder why girls are not in these situations?

sdmom | 10:32 a.m. March 17, 2009

A similar thing happened here in San Diego. Four teachers at our kids' school were arrested for having a sexual relationship with a student. For two of those teachers, it was the SAME student! Those teachers knew better and they are the adults, but that girl was not innocent. Fortunately, the school has now adopted a clear policy of relationship standards between faculty and staff, but these things should have been understood without the need of a two-by-four.

Cats | 11:26 a.m. March 17, 2009

I'm sorry Milt, but I just don't think it's quite that simple. In our society we have decided that the age of legal responsibility is 18. Okay, I don't have a problem with that, but in some societies a thirteen-year old would is adult. The kid is legally a child, but he is old enough to know what he was doing was wrong.

And, it is different with women. Women get involved in this kind of thing for attention and love. Men do it purely for sex. One of the problems with the old women's lib movement is that it has caused us to reach a point where we don't use common sense. Men and women are different. This is an example of how different.

This kid is clearly troubled and needs some kind of therapy. Maybe his parents also need to take him over their knees. But, we live in a society where sex is so pervasive that kids get involved at younger ages.

There is no doubt that the kid was the instigator. Unfortunately, the teachers should have behaved like adults and they didn't. Shame on them all.

Jon W | 11:53 a.m. March 17, 2009

"Unfortunately, the teachers should have behaved like adults and they didn't."

That's the real problem and where the abuse lies. If a 14-year-old kid comes on to an adult woman, she has the responsibility to get him some help, not to take advantage of him even if he "wants" it.

Mish | 1:58 p.m. March 17, 2009

I cant belive this story i feel that the School Board, the Goverment and our Socity has let our children down, we try so hard to protect our children from people like that and what do we do we send them to school where in utah this is not a first (male or Female). We cant afford to keep doing this b/c its hurting the children no matter how old they are the Adults are preying on these young boys and girls. We do so much to stop things like this from happeneing but yet we ok it. I think the young boy was mis-guided by the ones he trusted (Teachers,Family). People these days dont know how to prevent there children from openly walking into other peoples arms(people who take advantage of children.)
THIS NEEDS TO STOP AND THE CHILDREN ARE THE FUTURE AND AT THE RATE WE ARE GOING SOCITY IS SCREWED.

MissE | 2:15 p.m. March 17, 2009

To all the proud homeschooling moms out there who tout this instance for why they are keeping their kids out of these vile public schools, consider this fact: Most sexual abuse occurs within the home....

This isn't a public school issue, but an individual issue.

Johny Fairplay | 2:51 p.m. March 17, 2009

You people blaming a 13 year old are pathetic.

Milt | 3:06 p.m. March 17, 2009

To Cats:

You are not correct. In our society - whihc is the only one that counts in this argument, adults cannot have consensual sex with minors.... in some other societies, women marry into a family where all the brothers and father of the husband have conjugal rights to her (I believe it is in Peru in certain ountain towns!!) So what other societies do is not a valid point.

The argument that males are more sexual --- and thus as a victim in child abuse they are somewhat guilty, complicit, deserving of the abuse --- is riduculous and will never make it in court. Adult women are every bit as sexual as men - for heavens sake. THEY WILL NOT ADMIT THIS to men however, because "jee why mess up a good thing... all the chivalry, entertaining and gift giving that some men do to get a women's attention?!" If you don't believe this you have been fooled...

It is abhorent that you think that women are somehow better than men, that women deserve leniency in legal settings. These two teachers are child abusers just exactly like the scum men that do this to children. No difference.

Rick | 4:00 p.m. March 17, 2009

Does anyone know if these women were taking Antidepresant medications or not?!

Go on --
"Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!"

Baloney | 4:09 p.m. March 17, 2009

For those of you saying that women are more needy than men, or are all about love, while men are only about sex--you make us less than what we are when you remove our culpability for our adult decisions. Equal rights also means taking equal responsibility when you choose to break the law. If you catch yourself making the argument that women are somehow less responsible for our own decisions, ask yourself why you consider us less capable of rational thought than a 14 year old, who has not yet developed adult impulse control or decision making skills.

Michelle | 4:15 p.m. March 17, 2009

What does it matter if the women were taking antidepressants? I think the boy should carry some of the blame. The teachers shouldn't have done it but obviously the boy was reciprocating or two teachers wouldn't have been involved.

Sneelock | 4:25 p.m. March 17, 2009

Are you people seriously claiming that these women had sex with a child because they loved him? With attitudes like that, it is no wonder these crimes are happening at an increasing rate.

Wow Milt... | 4:32 p.m. March 17, 2009

It's just utterly amazing that two 'child abusers' happened to turn up at the same time, at the same school, with the same 'victim'! I'm not defending an idiotic mistake--which is what these women made--but in our country, we charge children as adults for crimes (theft, murder) all the time. Isn't it the slightest bit feasible that a 14-year-old could be as sexually aggressive and manipulative as an adult as well?

These women had no previous record, and long careers in teaching without any negative reports. Maybe they just made it to their midlife crises and needed someone to validate them. I'm sure, just by looking at them, these women felt extremely flattered by this student's advances. They should have just said 'NO'--I'm guessing he was pretty persistent...

st | 4:40 p.m. March 17, 2009

Whether or not the boy was reciprocating is completely beside the point. We have laws against statutory rape, whether or not the minor consented.
The psychology of an adolescent is different from an adult's because many parts of the brain are still developing, particularly in early adolescence, and decision making is one of the areas in which this is evident. This is a fact that these women were absolutely aware of, since adolescent psych is a requirement for an education degree. These women chose to take advantage of a minor (willing or not) for their own gratification. It's immaterial whether they were gratifying their sex drives, their need for affection, or their own egos.

Milt | 5:16 p.m. March 17, 2009

to "Wow Milt" let;s do an interesting little experiment. I will SWITCH the GENDERS in your statement and let's see how that sits with you?!!

Wow Milt... | 4:32 p.m. March 17, 2009
It's just utterly amazing that two 'child abusers' happened to turn up at the same time, at the same school, with the same 'victim'! I'm not defending an idiotic mistake--which is what these women made--but in our country, we charge children as adults for crimes (theft, murder) all the time. Isn't it the slightest bit feasible that a 14-year-old could be as sexually aggressive and manipulative as an adult as well?

These [men] had no previous record, and long careers in teaching without any negative reports. Maybe they just made it to their midlife crises and needed someone to validate them. I'm sure, just by looking at them, these men felt extremely flattered by this [female] student's advances. They should have just said 'NO'--I'm guessing SHE was pretty persistent...

Cats | 5:30 p.m. March 17, 2009

Milt: You have totally misconstrued my words. I NEVER said women are better than men--just different. I never said these women shouldn't pay for their crime. AND IT IS A CRIME. They are adults and should NOT have engaged in ANY sexual behavior with a minor. It was both criminal and stupid.

I'm only saying it is pretty clear that this kid was probably the instigator. He is not legally an adult, but he's old enough to know better. No one will ever convince me that it was just a coincidence that two teachers in that big school just happened to get involved with the same kid. He was obviously pushing a relationship with both women. He was clearly enjoying himself while not mature enough to realize the damage he was doing to himself and others. He needs serious therapy and some accountability.

And...ask ANY psychologist and they will tell you that women engage in these things for different reasons than men. With women, it is mostly emotional need. With men it is mostly sexual. Any mental health professional will confirm that.

This thing is much more complicated than just perpetrator and victim.

Milt | 5:40 p.m. March 17, 2009

second follow to Wow your statement " Isn't it the slightest bit feasible that a 14-year-old could be as sexually aggressive and manipulative as an adult as well?" is an admission by you that women are deserving a break JUST BECAUSE THEY ARE WOMEN! Why would you say this unless you think that somehow women's need for validation in midlife makes CHILD ABUSE OK??? Women stand up and be adults, don't allow the victimhood mindset take away your equality.

st | 5:48 p.m. March 17, 2009

Cats

I don't think it matters if women engage in these things for different reasons than men. No matter what need they're trying to satisfy, they are choosing to satisfy their own needs at the expense of a minor, even if it's with his enthusiastic participation. The degree of guilt is exactly the same. The essential facts of the situation are not altered at all.

Yup, the kid probably needs counseling. Yup, he may have been the one that brought up the idea of a relationship. He's still a kid. They're still adults. Suggesting that they are somehow the victims in this situation, whether of a crafty and overpowering 14 yr old, or their own emotional neediness, is absurd.

Milt to Cats | 5:51 p.m. March 17, 2009

Do you understand that one of the primary inhibitors of young girls reporting being raped is that they --- while in the middle found some reaction to it... that may be interpreted as pleasure - hence they feel guilty and do not believe themselves worthy of legal justice.

Your focus on the victim is what is wrong and misaligned. His intention, his state of mind, the amount of pleasure derived (or not) should not ever weigh in on this kind of case, the legal system sees it the same.

Also, your belief that a female's motivations are somehow less evil because they possibly are slightly different than a man's... is not a valid argument either. Regardless of the motivation, it is a crime. My point exactly is: justice must be blind and NEVER weigh in the differences between genders in a case of child abuse.

not the same | 5:52 p.m. March 17, 2009

young girls having sex with an adult is not the same as young men (yes - at 14 they are young men).

the girl will feel violated later. The girl will regret her decision. The adult should be prosecuted to the full extent of the law.

the boy probably bragged to his buddies. he'll remember the incidents with fondness. he's a man now. the teachers should be fired, and maybe fined, but they are by NO MEANS sex offenders. That's just stupid.

it's not even close to the same. those of you that think it's the same are either women, or overly religious.... either one makes you a poor choice to comment on something like this.

Anonymous | 6:09 p.m. March 17, 2009

I hope Davis county does the right thing and punishes these women accordingly. They are a danger to society. What normal adult woman finds a 14 year old sexually desireable or appropriate? I know a woman in Davis county who so severely abused an 8 month old that he was left blind and paralyzed and severely brain damaged. It was her friends baby. She got NO jail time because the judge didn't want to take her away from her own kids!!! Whaaaaat????? Wake up and realize that kids of all ages are important and have the right to grow up without being abused by anyone. Punish the abusers accordingly. I realize there are cases when a false accusation is made, but it doesn't sound like that is the case here.

re anonymous 6:09pm | 6:16 p.m. March 17, 2009

did you really say they are a danger to society? are you serious?

that's just ridiculous. you are obviously a woman and have no business commenting on this. you don't have a clue what it is like to be a 14 yr old boy.

and you're comparing this to someone abusing an 8 month old baby? you really need to think about it more...

stick to preaching about your religion. you're way out of your comfort zone on this one...

Anonymous | 6:16 p.m. March 17, 2009

Anyone who finds underage kids sexually desireable is a pedophile and we need to be protected from them, especially in the schools where so many of our kids are at their mercy. I don't care one bit if he was the instigator. It is disgusting that these women didn't say no. If your preschooler brought you your copy of playboy and asked you to read it to them for a bedtime story, would you say okay, just because they asked? Wrong is wrong. BTW I think playboy is yucky too, just used it to make my point.

Jove | 6:23 p.m. March 17, 2009

The arguments are interesting. My take is that all three are guilty . I think all three should be punished accordingly. The teachers are adults and know better than to take advantage of a student. I think the student is old enough to bear some responsibility because he is also old enough to know what he did is not right. Age and legal status should have bearing. The teachers will be punished by whatever the court hands down and also they have lost their good name and their profession. The boy and his parents would probably be wise to move to another community where he can have a fresh start. They should all should be sent for psychological counseling. Another big lesson in this is think with your brain and not your...

Anonymous | 6:38 p.m. March 17, 2009

I don't know what it's like to be a 14 year old boy, but I do know what it's like to be an adult woman in a position of trust and responsibility. Yes, they are a danger to society. They are pedophiles who betrayed their position of trust. My point about the 8 month old is that Davis county has a poor track record of protecting children from abusers. I hope they do the right thing. BTW I live in California and you have no clue what my religious beliefs are. That doesn't matter. Decent people of all faiths believe children should be protected from abuse. I will preach it loud and long and anyone who defends abusers is one sick puppy. Apparently you're in your comfort zone defending these perverts. Birds of a feather flock together.

Linda | 10:53 a.m. March 18, 2009

Whatever you think, this whole thing is wrong. Yes, the boy may have been very forward, BUT, as has been
said over and over, these women were the adults and they knew wrong from right if he didn't. In the 50's I had women teachers who loved to put boys in front
rows so they could perch on the front of their desks so they could show off their legs. YES, these things
did happen in the 50's, 60's and now but no one talked. I feel sorry for all involved, including the
families of the women. Think of their kids, and husbands. Every person is taught from a early age that you do not harm a child (0 to 20). No excuse.

re anonymous 6:38pm | 12:23 p.m. March 18, 2009

I'm in my comfort zone defending these perverts? did you really say that? can you be more ridiculous and insulting?

I indicated the teachers should be fired and fined. Maybe even a little jail time to make it sink in better. But at 13 or 14, many "boys" look older. I passed for 18 at the age of 13 on several occasions. He's not a "child".

My point is everything should be taken in context. These women aren't "sex offenders" any more than a 17 yr old boy that loves his 16 yr old girlfriend and they have sex. Yes - it's probably illegal in a lot of places, but it wasn't "some pervert preying on the helpless." Perverts should be registered as sex offenders.

Yes - children should be protected from abuse. But a 14 yr old boy in many cases isn't a child. Otherwise we wouldn't charge them as adults when they commit violent crimes.

try putting it all in perspective rather than preaching the law. You sound like the lawyer that does anything to win a case and ignores justice.

Try to be fair rather than indignant...

Rick | 12:31 p.m. March 18, 2009

Matt. 7: 1-2
1 Judge not, that ye be not judged.
2 For with what judgment ye judge, ye shall be judged: and with what measure ye mete, it shall be measured to you again.

Investigate the FACTS.
Let the courts decide.

I may be the only one, but I believe these women as innocent and are "Victims" to far more sinister crime against humanity.

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