OCALA, Fla., March 21 (UPI) -- Despite a judge's objection, Marion County, Fla., prosecutors Tuesday dropped charges against a teacher accused of having sex with a 14-year-old student.
The deal will protect the suburban Tampa middle school boy from having to testify against Debra Lafave, 25, of Riverview, Fla., CBS News reported. Psychiatrists described the teen as extremely anxious about media coverage.
Marion County Judge Hale Stancil rejected a plea agreement by Hillsborough County, Fla., calling for three years of home confinement and seven years probation for Lafave.
Stancil said the deal "shocks the conscience of this court."
However, prosecutor Richard Ridgway said he was unwilling to risk the well-being of the victim.
During a news conference after the Marion County charges were dropped, Lafave blamed her bipolar condition for the 2004 sex acts, CBS reported.
"I'm going to be in therapy for a long time. Hopefully for the rest of my life," the former teacher said.
