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Orlando Criminal Attorney Rajan Joshi in the News

Former Teacher who had Sex with Student Sentenced to House Arrest

By Sarah Lundy | Sentinel Staff Writer
Posted 4:36 PM EST, November 17, 2008

A former Narcoossee Community School teacher -- who had a sexual relationship with a former student - was sentenced today to two years on house arrest followed by eight years probation.

Sarah Joel, 32, of St. Cloud pleaded guilty in September to one count of sexual activity with a child, age 16 or 17. The investigation began in January after a Harmony High School teacher alerted authorities that one of her students might have had sex with his former teacher. The student told Osceola County deputy sheriffs that he and Joel stayed in touch after the school year and the encounters took place at her home.

Under state sentencing guidelines, Joel could have faced a minimum of more than 5 years in prison. Her attorney, Rajan Joshi argued for Osceola Circuit Court Judge Scott Polodna to depart from the recommendation. He pointed out that it was a consensual -- yet isolated -- act. A doctor evaluated Joel and found no chance of her re-offended, said Joshi.