Deerfield Beach Teacher Pleads Guilty In Student Sex Case
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DEERFIELD BEACH (CBSMiami) – A Deerfield Beach science teacher accused of having sex with an underage student pleaded guilty Thursday.
Beasley admitted having sex numerous times with one of his students from Zion Lutheran Christian School. He had already pleaded guilty to a related charged in federal court.
Beasley's attorney said the relationship was more than just sex.
"This was not a predator situation. This is a situation where he was just absolutely enamored of this girl," said Mike Gelety.
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In April, Beasley and the 14-year-old student were caught in the back seat of his car half dressed.
In a text message released in court documents, Beasley wrote, "I require physical intimacy with you. Kissing you feels as essential as breathing."
Gelety said Beasley entered a guilty plea to make this easier on the girl.
"He feels bad that he put this girl – which he had and still has feeling for – through such a horrendous situation, just a meat grinder.
Gelety said while the relationship was going on Beasley was well aware of the moral and legal ramifications. In another text, Beasley is quoted as saying, "I miss you. But we have to remain cautious and vigilant. Every meeting is a risk."
"He knew he could lose his job, he knew this was wrong and so forth. And yet, because of these feelings, he did what he did," said Gelety.
Throughout the court proceedings, Beasley's mom sat quietly watching. She had nothing to say after her son admitted to having a relationship with a girl who should have been off limits.
If Beasley was convicted at trial on the state charges, he could have faced anywhere from 67 years in prison to nine life sentences. Under the plea agreement, he's expecting a sentence of 20 years. Sentencing is set for February 19th.
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