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Teacher Turns Self In On New Counts


Published: Jun 29, 2004

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OCALA — With her head held high and eyes staring straight ahead, Greco Middle School teacher Debra Beasley Lafave turned herself in to Marion County officials Monday on additional charges that she had sexual intercourse with a 14-year-old student.

The 23-year-old slowly walked into the Marion County Sheriff's Office about 11 a.m., accompanied by her attorney, John Fitzgibbons.

She did not say a word to members of the news media who surrounded her as she entered the building.

Lafave was charged with two counts of lewd and lascivious battery and one count of lewd and lascivious exhibition. Marion County deputies said Lafave had sex with a 14-year-old Greco student in the back of her silver Isuzu sport utility vehicle while the student's 15-year-old cousin drove them around the Ocala area.

Monday's charges are in addition to those from last week's arrest in Temple Terrace, when she was charged with two counts of committing lewd and lascivious battery. Those charges stem from accusations that Lafave had sexual relations with the same student at her Riverview home and in a Greco classroom.

Lafave was taken to the Marion County jail and was released about 1 p.m. Her bail was set at $25,000.

Fitzgibbons said he wasn't prepared to comment on the case.

"There is a presumption of innocence in this country, and I hope people will give Debbie that presumption," he said. "There'll come a time when we'll have something to say about the defense and a position. Right now, we're getting through this process."

A report from the Marion County Sheriff's Office states Lafave had sexual relations with the student five times between June 3 and 17. The first incidents happened at her home and school, detectives said. The other three happened on her way to Ocala or in the Ocala area in her car, the report states.

Investigators said the student was staying with his cousin who lives in Ocala when Lafave visited the area. Detective Chris Haworth of the Marion County Sheriff's Office interviewed both boys. He said their statements were consistent.

"They also knew intimate details about the teacher," Haworth said.

Those details included being able to identify birthmarks and tattoos and describing the contents of Lafave's home, specifically her bedroom, officials said.

In addition to the boys' statements, deputies said they have receipts that place Lafave in Ocala during the time frame mentioned by the boys. The student's aunt also told investigators she saw Lafave's vehicle in the area.

If Lafave is convicted, each charge could bring up to 15 years in prison and a fine of up to $10,000, according to Florida statutes.

Reporter Michele Sager can be reached at (813) 977-2854, Ext. 32.



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