Washington: Teacher avoids jail time after sexually abusing teenagers in her home while her husband was on a hunting trip

Authorities say 25-year-old McKenna Kindred was sentenced to two years probation for having sex with a 17-year-old student

A high school teacher in Washington state has been sentenced to 24 months’ probation for sexually abusing a 17-year-old boy in her home while her husband was on a hunting trip, according to reports.

McKenna Kindred, 25, of Liberty Lake, was originally charged with first-degree sexual misconduct and communicating with a minor for an immoral purpose, court documents show, KXLY reported.

In a plea deal with prosecutors, the former Central Valley High School teacher pleaded guilty Thursday to amended charges of second-degree sexual misconduct with a minor and communicating with a minor for immoral purposes. The speaker–review Reports.

In return she received no prison sentence, The Speaker Review Reports.

She was sentenced to $700 in fines and fees and must register as a sex offender for 10 years. The Speaker Review Reports.

“I know this past year has been incredibly difficult for everyone involved,” Kindred said in court Thursday, KHQ reports. “As a result of my actions, I lost my career, valuable friendships and freedoms, and let countless people down.” My mental health was also significantly affected by this event. I am deeply ashamed of the pain I have caused.

The abuse came to light in December 2022 when students told school officials they believed Kindred was having an inappropriate relationship with a 17-year-old student. The Speaker Review Reports.

The students said the 17-year-old sent messages to Kindred on Instagram, court documents show, KXLY reports. The students told officers the teen was “defensive” when they asked him about it, court documents say. The Speaker Review Reports.

Photos of messages were sent to the investigating deputy, including “We almost got caught,” “When other girls in my class talk about you, I got angry” and “I really like being touched by you,” KXLY reported.

At about the same time, on Dec. 1, 2022, Kindred informed the principal, assistant principal and a school resource officer that she was being harassed online by someone who accused her of engaging in inappropriate relationships with students, KXLY reported, citing court documents.

In the subsequent investigation, a student told a Spokane County sheriff’s deputy that Kindred invited a 17-year-old boy to her home while her husband was on a hunting trip in mid-November 2022, according to court documents, KXLY reported.

The boy’s mother told investigators that her son had a sexual relationship with Kindred, court documents said. The Speaker Review Reports.

When questioned by authorities, the boy said he began communicating with Kindred on Instagram in June 2022, court documents said. The Speaker Review Reports. He told them they had sex at her home, the newspaper reports.

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In court Thursday, the boy’s mother described Kindred’s behavior as “predatory” and an “abuse of power.” The Speaker Review Reports. She said Kindred began grooming him when he was 16.

Kindred resigned last year, The Spokesman-Review reports. She has been in custody since her arrest.

Her attorney could not immediately be reached for comment.

If you or someone you know is a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.

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