Louisville, Ky. (WHAS11) - A former Manual High School teacher allegedly caught in a car with a student appeared in court Friday for the first time.
Carrie Shafer won't be going to jail after a plea deal worked out with prosecutors and the teenager's family
Friday marked the first time since Carrie Shafer's arrest that we in the media have had an opportunity to hear from her.
What WHAS11 heard in court was a soft-spoken admission to serious crimes involving a 17-year-old student at her high school.
She quietly pleaded guilty to felony counts of custodial interference and unlawful transaction with a minor.
Just a few months ago, Shafer was a star teacher, teaching advanced biology to the most advanced students at Dupont Manual High School, one of the state's top academic schools.
She even started an anatomy program at the school last year, but police say all the anatomy lessons may not have been confined to classroom.
Shafer was allegedly caught by a cop in a steamy car back in March drinking beer with a 17-year-old boy at Miles Park.
'On the outside of the vehicle he saw what appeared to be some condoms and some wet wipes,' said Dwight Mitchell, back in March, describing her initial arrest.
Shafer was not indicted on sex charges, since the boy was over the age of consent.
Neither he nor his parents showed up for Friday's hearing.
'It's their wishes to not be here and to allow me to speak on their behalf for purposes of this agreement,' said Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Jon Heck. 'We want a quick and just resolution.'
'She's obligating herself, and I will enforce, that she not teach,' said Jefferson County Circuit Court Judge Mitch Perry.
'This case is no different from any other,' said Judge Perry. 'I think she needs to stay busy and get a job. I know you are obligating yourself not to do certain things, which I will enforce, but I want you to seek employment eventually.'
Shafer was given a three year suspended sentence, probation, and will be placed in a diversion program in which she agrees not to teach and to continue psychological counseling.
If she completes all the terms of the agreement, the charges can be erased after three years.
But even then, she wouldn't likely return to her profession.
'I don't know of a school district that would accept someone with that record. I think that would be pretty extraordinary,' said Heck.
When Heck was asked why he offered Shafer a deal with no time behind bars, he said, 'I had lots of options, and this is the option I thought was best.'
Shafer could have been indicted under a new Kentucky law that prohibits people in positions of authority, like teachers and prison guards, from having sex with people under their control.
That possibility might have been taken off the table as a result of the guilty plea.
