Judge: Former teacher guilty of sexual exploitation
CBS2/FOX28 NEWS STAFF
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa —
A judge has found a former Cedar Rapids substitute teacher guilty of sexual exploitation by a counselor, therapist or school employee. Mary Beth Haglin, 24, now faces up to two years in jail and she would have to register as a sex offender for 10 years.
In this case, Haglin agreed to a "trial on the minutes," meaning there was no jury. Instead the judge used recorded testimony and documentation to determine her fate.
Sixth District Judge Kevin McKeever viewed two interviews as evidence submitted by the prosecution: the Child Protection Center interview with the victim and Haglin's interview with Cedar Rapids police.
Judge McKeever decided not to allow Haglin's Dr. Phil interview, which the state wanted to show as evidence.
Haglin met with CBS2/FOX28 , claiming she had a relationship with a then 17-year-old Cedar Rapids Washington High School student.
The Cedar Rapids Community School District has reached agreements with three former employees after the allegations came to light.
The district released a separation agreement and two resignation agreements between the district and former employees.
Ralph Plagman, who resigned as Washington High School Principal after the scandal broke, will be receiving a total of $169,749.
Michael Johnson, a former athletics director at Washington High School, will receive $135,428.
"Both Mr. Plagman and Mr. Johnson were entitled to seek and were qualified for the District’s early retirement plan," wrote CRCSD Community Relations Supervisor Marcia Hughes in a statement to CBS 2 News. "The District agreed to the other terms of the agreements after balancing the facts of the investigation with the desire for closure for the student and his family, as well as the desire for closure for the Washington High School community of students, parents, and staff members since the 2016-2017 school year was just around the corner and in recognition of these Administrator’s years of service with the District."
Jill Cirivello, the Human Resources Director, is also no longer at the district; she will receive $43,234.
The contracts also state the three have agreed not to sue the district.
Haglin was originally charged in July.
A leaked video on Twitter brought the relationship to the Cedar Rapids Community School District’s attention and after investigating, the school decided to let Haglin go.
She claimed the school already knew about the relationship.
In a statement to CBS2/FOX28, the district said they did what they were supposed to do as soon as they found out.
Haglin's sentencing will be at 1:30 p.m. on Friday, February 17.
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