Teacher Raped Student, Then Made Him Drive Because She Was Too Drunk. Now She’s Going to Prison
Jessica Lawson, a high school teacher from Idaho, has been sentenced to a minimum of two years and could serve up to 20 years in prison after pleading guilty to sexually abusing a minor. The 36-year-old teacher admitted to two counts of sexual battery of a child as part of a plea deal, which resulted in the dismissal of other charges, including providing alcohol and drugs to a minor, according to court records.
Lawson was arrested in November 2023 in St. Anthony, Idaho. Police had stopped a car that was being driven by a teenage boy, with Lawson in the passenger seat. According to the Idaho State Journal, East Idaho News, and Local News 8, police reported that Lawson had instructed the boy to drive because she was too intoxicated to do so herself.
The car was initially pulled over due to a broken taillight, and during the stop, the boy confessed to having marijuana in his possession. Further investigation revealed that Lawson had picked the boy up the night before and had given him alcohol and marijuana. The situation escalated when the two engaged in sexual activity.
The boy’s parents told police that Lawson had provided their son with alcohol and drugs, and during an interview with the boy, he confirmed that he and Lawson had sex. This led to Lawson’s arrest and subsequent charges.
Lawson, a former teacher at South Fremont High School, will serve at least two years in prison, with the possibility of up to 20 years, depending on her Lawson has been issued a 20-year no-contact order with the victim, meaning she is prohibited from any form of contact with the teenage boy for the next two decades. This no-contact order aims to protect the victim and allow him to move forward without further interference from Lawson.
The community, particularly at South Fremont High School, where Lawson previously worked, was shocked by the news. Parents and students were troubled by the betrayal of trust from someone in a position of authority and responsibility. The school has since distanced itself from Lawson, and counselors have been made available to students who may have been affected by the incident.
Lawson’s actions have drawn attention to the broader issue of abuse of power by those in educational and leadership roles. Cases like this highlight the importance of ensuring proper safeguards are in place to protect students from inappropriate relationships and misconduct by adults.
In addition to her prison sentence, Lawson will face the long-term consequences of being a convicted sex offender. She will be required to register as a sex offender, and this status will impact her future employment, personal relationships, and standing in the community.
