Washington teacher sentenced to five years in prison for having sex with 15-year-old student

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Stephanie McCrea, 36, who worked at Evergreen High School in Vancouver, Washington admitted in July to having sex with a 15-year-old boy
She was sentenced Wednesday on four counts of third-degree rape of a child and one count of tampering with a witness, all Class C felonies
The boy said the two engaged in kissing, oral sex and intercourse on multiple occasions at school and McCrea's home starting last December
McCrea and her husband separated in December and she has a nine-year-old son

Published: 08:44 EST, 1 October 2015 | Updated: 12:44 EST, 1 October 2015

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A former Washington state high school drama teacher and mother of one has been sentenced to five years in prison for having sex with a 15-year-old student on multiple occasions.

Stephanie McCrea, 36, who headed the drama department at Evergreen High School in Vancouver, pleaded guilty in July to four counts of third-degree rape of a child and one count of tampering with a witness.

Prosecutors said McCrea and the boy had sex in her home and her office beginning in December 2014. Their encounters, according to the young victim, involving kissing, oral sex and intercourse.

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Punishment: Stephanie McCrea, 36, a former high school drama teacher from Washington state, pictured in court Wednesday, was sentenced to five years in prison for repeatedly having sex witha 15-year-old student

Acting out: McCrea, who headed the drama department at Evergreen High School in Vancouver, had sex with the teen in her home and her office beginning in December 2014

The witness tampering charge came from communication she had with the victim through a fake Facebook page.

Prosecutors said the drama teacher asked her underage lover to keep their relationship quiet and practiced what to say if he spoke to law enforcement.

Clark County prosecutor Camara Banfield told Judge David Gregerson shortly after McCrea's January arrest that she had threatened to kill herself if the student revealed the relationship.

I profoundly regret the hurt that I have caused and would do anything to take it back.

Stephanie McCrea

An emotional Ms McCrea said in court Wednesday she takes responsibility for her actions and that she feels the pain of knowing she's hurt many people with her choices.

McCrea's attorney, Steve Thayer, said during the July hearing that the disgraced teacher and her husband separated in December and that she attempted to take her life two weeks before her arrest.

The estranged couple have a nine-year-old son together.

In court Wednesday, McCrea fought back tears as she read a statement that said: 'I take full responsibility for my actions every day. I feel the pain of knowing I hurt many people by my choices. I hurt because they hurt. I profoundly regret the hurt that I have caused and would do anything to take it back. The shame, the regret and the guilt that I feel is immense.'

Apology: McCrea (left) fought back tears as she read a statement (right) saying she takes responsibility for her actions and that she feels the pain of knowing she's hurt many people with her choices

Emotional turmoil: McCrea's attorney said the teacher and her husband separated in December and that she attempted to take her life two weeks before her arrest

McCrea’s attorney argued that his client’s conduct was completely out of character, according to The Columbian. He added that she had no prior criminal history and was highly regarded as a teacher.

The victim’s mother was present in court for McCrae's sentencing. She told the judge McCrea had lied to her and betrayed her trust, reported the station KPTV.

Speaking to reporters outside the courtroom afterwards, the woman called the case 'a horrible situation no matter the outcome. It's going to hurt everybody no matter what.'

McCrea, who was hired by Evergreen High School in 2006, was put on administrative leave after officials learned of the alleged affair - but the sexual abuse continued, according to the prosecution.

Steve Thayer had previously said his client started suffering mental health issues after a car accident in 2012.

McCrea is due back in court October 16 for her formal sentencing.

Coaching: Prosecutors said the drama teacher (center) asked her underage lover to keep their relationship quiet and practiced what to say if he spoke to law enforcement

KPTV - FOX 12