Janet Klatt
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Janet Botton-Klatt (born 1962), sometimes incorrectly called "Janice," is a former teacher at Cannon School in Concord, North Carolina. She is accused of having sexual relations with a 16-year old male student.
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[edit] Biography
Janet Klatt was born in Zimbabwe and was educated at and received her B.Ed. from the University of South Africa.
[edit] Background Information
Klatt joined Cannon School's history department in 2005, teaching World History to sophomores.[1] On May 10, 2006, school officials fired her and alerted authorities immediately after discovering allegations of an inappropriate relationship.[2] According to Raleigh police spokeswoman Jim Sughre, "That type of relationship is specifically forbidden by law regardless of what the surrounding circumstances might be."[3] Although North Carolina Constitutional Law recognizes a sixteen year old as an adult, the teacher student laws in existence supersede and prohibit consenting sexual behavior.
[edit] Arrest and Punishment
On Monday, May 22, Klatt was arrested and charged in Raleigh with "sexual activity between a school personnel member and a student," a felony in North Carolina. On Tuesday, May 23, Klatt appeared in a Wake County courtroom and was released from jail after posting the $5,000 bond.[4] Although the student is an adult (16) by North Carolina Law, the law applying to teachers and students does not recognize age as a factor.
Cannon School reported to the media that it is "saddened by the allegations that a former teacher had sex with a 16-year-old student".[5] The school released a statement to the press indicating that it "moved quickly to protect the safety and privacy of its students" and had "terminated the teacher and notified the police...once it got credible evidence".[6]
On January 12th, 2007, original charges of Sex with a Student were dismissed and Klatt accepted an offered agreement pursuant to State v. Alford for Indecent Liberties with a Student (of adult age). Indecent Liberties with a Student specifically states that no sexual intercourse occurred but alleges that behavior was inappropriate. Behavior in this charge can range from inappropriate conversations to inappropriate contact. Accepting an agreement pursuant to State v. Alford, allows a defendant to agree to a charge without any admittance of guilt or wrong doing.
[edit] School Response
The school has not issued any further statement since Klatt accepted an offered agreement pursuant to State v. Alford for Indecent Liberties with a Student (of adult age).
[edit] References
- ^ [1][dead link]
- ^ Local News | News for Charlotte, North Carolina | WCNC.com | Local News
- ^ [2][dead link]
- ^ News 14 | 24 Hour Local News | LOCAL NEWS
- ^ School Responds To Teacher's Sex Charge - Charlotte News Story - WSOC Charlotte
- ^ School Responds To Teacher's Sex Charge - Charlotte News Story - WSOC Charlotte
