Background
A judge in Cedar Rapids has sentenced former substitute teacher Mary Beth Haglin to 90 days in jail for engaging in a sexual relationship with a 17-year-old student. The relationship began in 2015 and continued into the following year. Sixth Judicial District Judge Kevin McKeever rejected the defense’s recommendation of a deferred judgment and probation, as well as the prosecutor’s recommendation of 180 days in jail.
The Judge’s Decision
After considering all the facts of the case and both recommendations, Judge McKeever determined that the appropriate sentence was 360 days in jail. However, he suspended 270 days, which means Haglin will serve 90 days in jail. In addition to the jail time, Haglin will be on supervised probation for two years. McKeever also imposed a special sentence of parole for 10 years and ordered Haglin to be placed on the sex offender registry for the same duration due to the nature of the offense.
Haglin’s Apology
During the sentencing, Haglin expressed her remorse and apologized to both the victim and the court. She stated that she never intended for such a situation to occur and emphasized that she is more than just a snapshot of her actions during that time period.
The Prosecutor’s Argument
Assistant Linn County Attorney Heidi Carmer argued that cases like these are challenging because they require considering the best outcome for both the victim and the community. Carmer highlighted the inappropriate relationship between Haglin, a teacher, and the student, emphasizing that such conduct cannot be overlooked. She believed that a sentence of 180 days in jail would hold Haglin accountable, protect the victim and the community, and serve as a deterrent for others.
The Defense’s Plea
Haglin’s lawyer, Katie Frank, requested the judge to consider a deferred judgment or a suspended sentence with probation. Frank argued that Haglin had no prior criminal history and contended that the intent of the law allows for a deferred or suspended judgment in cases that are not forcible felonies. She also emphasized that the relationship between Haglin and the 17-year-old male student began before she became a substitute teacher and that the student was never under her direct instruction.
Judge’s Review of Evidence
Last year, Judge McKeever reviewed videos of interviews conducted with the police investigators and the 17-year-old victim at St. Luke’s Child Protection Center. According to the victim’s testimony, he first met Haglin in the spring of 2015 when she was a student teacher at Washington High School. The relationship between them resumed in the fall of 2015 when Haglin returned as a substitute teacher. They began messaging each other through social media and engaged in sexual activity in October 2015. Haglin and the student admitted to the relationship, and explicit photos were found in the student’s iPod account. The relationship ended in early June.
Change in Charges
In November, Assistant Linn County Attorney Heidi Carmer amended the charge against Haglin to a felony. This decision came after Haglin gave multiple interviews to local and national television programs, including an appearance on the “Dr. Phil” show, where she openly admitted to the sexual relationship. Carmer argued that these interviews demonstrated a pattern or practice of sexual conduct, justifying the upgrade to a felony charge.
Agreement on Trial
Prior to ruling on the admissibility of certain portions of the “Dr. Phil” episode, Haglin reached an agreement with the prosecutor on November 23. The agreement stipulated a bench trial on the misdemeanor charge, and neither the “Dr. Phil” video nor any other television interviews were considered as evidence by the judge.
Impact on Haglin’s Life
Haglin’s lawyer, Katie Frank, emphasized the significant impact the conviction and sentence would have on Haglin’s life. She stressed that Haglin’s mother, who was present at the hearing, wanted the judge to recognize that her daughter is more than just this offense. Frank described Haglin as smart and hardworking, and she highlighted the potential long-term consequences of the sentence, including the requirement to serve 10 years of special parole and being on the sex offender registry for the same duration.
Enhanced Penalty Warning
Before concluding the sentencing, Judge McKeever warned Haglin about the potential consequences of any future convictions for sexual offenses. He made it clear that as a result of this conviction, she would be subject to an enhanced penalty, which could include longer prison sentences.
Comments: (319) 398-8318; trish.mehaffey@thegazette.com
