Beth Friedman gets one year probation
Florida teacher Beth Friedman was sentenced to one year probation plus psychological counseling for her conviction last month of contributing to the delinquency of a minor, a misdemeanor charge. Friedman was acquitted of far more serious charges for her relationship with a young student.
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  • Who is the victim?
    In closing arguments Wednesday, the prosecutor accused teacher Beth Friedman of preying on a 15-year-old boy for sex, while Friedman's lawyer called the alleged victim and his family "vermin." The jury will begin deliberating Friday.
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  • Victim, mother recalled to stand


  • Sex in schools
    Beth Friedman isn't the first female teacher accused of having sex with an underage student. Read about the women who preceded her.
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  • More teacher-student cases from The Smoking Gun:
  • Wisconsin
  • California, Indiana, Ohio
  • Maryland




  • Dec. 17, 2001: Witness describes conspiracy
  • Dec. 14, 2001: Witness: Teacher gave student oral sex
  • Dec. 14, 2001: Defense opening: Friedman was victim of "predators"


  • Dec. 12, 2001: Witness: Teacher clung to teen
  • Dec. 11, 2001: Alleged victim was car thief, defense reveals
  • Dec. 10, 2001: Principal says he received anonymous calls about Friedman
  • Dec. 10, 2001: Analysis: Trial is shaping up to be a case of 'he said, she said'
  • Dec. 7, 2001: Defense: Mother liked "gravy train"
  • Dec. 5, 2001: Mother says she felt betrayed by teacher
  • Dec. 4, 2001: Teen admits to lying at times
  • Dec. 3, 2001: Donald Vaden's first day of testimony
  • Nov. 28, 2001: Trial set to begin for Florida teacher
  • Several delays stall trial's start
  • Case background
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      Teacher Beth Friedman faces up to 76 years in prison if convicted of carrying on an affair with a teenage student.
    Background
    The Law
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    The Law
    Video
     
  • Testimony of alleged victim, Donald Vaden
    I II III IV
  • Vaden returns to the stand  I II
  • Cross-exam of Vaden's mother  I II  III  IV
  • Beth Friedman's colleague testifies
  • Acquaintance of Vaden: He made it up
  • Vaden's friend testifies
  • Vaden's stepfather testifies
  • Friedman's neighbor testifies
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  • Vaden's Deposition
    Alleged victim Donald Vaden outlines the alleged affair, during which he says his teacher plied him with clothes, drugs, money in exchange for sex.
  • Friedman's Letter
    Written to Vaden's mother, Friedman denies having sex with Donald and claims that the teen physically abused her.
  • Complaint
    This document lists the charges against Friedman, including indecent assault, unlawful sexual activity with a minor and contributing to the delinquency of a minor.
  • Records Motion
    In this motion, Friedman requests from the school all psychiatric records of Donald Vaden.


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