Sentenced (sorta): 18 months' probation after which she can petition to have the charge reduced even more.
Dec 3, 2007 - Sentencing has been delayed for Cynthia Rynard, 32, a
Martinsville High School English teacher, who was charged with one count of child seduction as a Class D felony.
According to court records, Rynard agreed to a plea agreement and was to be sentenced Friday morning by special judge Richard Tandy. The new date has not been set.
BACKGROUND
Reynard surrendered to police in February. She was accused of having sexual contact with a 17-year-old male student. Rumors had been circulating at the school since January. The rumor was the student had allowed the teacher to perform oral sex on him so he could receive a better grade in her class, the affidavit states. A student told a teacher's aide who then told the head of the school's English department. The school investigated but ended their investigation due to "a lack of evidence."
The prosecutor was informed that the boy had a cell phone paid for by Rynard. Police re-opened the investigation. The boy made a statement to police.
The boy said they parked and talked. They began kissing but it was awkward in the front seat of her van so they moved into the back. At one point, the boy said Rynard pulled his pants down and performed oral sex on him.Full Name: Cynthia Marie Rynard
The boy said he did not ejaculate and that Rynard quit because she had to get back to school.
GUILTY PLEA & SENTENCED Jan 26, 2008 - Rynard pleaded guilty to one count of dissimilating matter harmful to a minor, a charge that includes lewd behavior or performances.
Special Judge Richard Tandy sentenced Rynard to 18 months in jail, suspended except for the eight days she had served. She was put on probation for 18 months. Tandy said she could seek to have the charge reduced after she completes her probation. [TT - Why didn't he just give her a Free Pass to Perform Oral Sex on Minors card?]
Her attorney asked the judge to consider that his client was taking responsibility for her actions and was currently in counseling. He said she has a young son who needs her and to send her to jail would be a hardship on him. [TT - If this had been a man, you can bet the same argument could not be used and would not be a factor even if the man had been a primary, or even sole, care giver.]
She will be allowed to attend events with her son where there were children present as long as there were other adults there.
TT - It's absolutely amazing how many school districts conduct investigations without trained investigators and without any knowledge of the law or rules of evidence, who can't find any evidence.
