Ga. Supreme Court reverses age consent defense in Harlem coach sex case

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By NBC Augusta Staff

Story Published: Jun 15, 2009 at 10:36 AM EDT

Story Updated: Jun 15, 2009 at 10:36 AM EDT

ATLANTA- The Supreme Court of Georgia reversed an age consent ruling in the sexual assault case involving a former Harlem High School softball coach.

The decision was announced on Monday.

Melissa Chase was sentenced to 10 years for sexual assaulting a 16-year-old girl in 2006.

In April, Chase challenged state law over the age of consent.

During the trial, the student testified she initiated a relationship with Chase. A Superior Court judge said consent could not be used as a defense.

Now, the state Supreme Court has ruled the age of consent defense should have been allowed during Chase’s trial.

 


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Friday, Jul 10 at 10:48 AM userone wrote ...

She committed a crime and have to pay for it. It does not matter if she was woman or a man. I bet if it was a man, no one would be saying ten years is harsh.

25779604
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Friday, Jul 10 at 3:30 AM Anonymous wrote ...

our legal system sucks.I agree it was inappropriate however she doesn't deserve 10 yrs in prison. revoke her license and let her move on.

25763541
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Monday, Jun 22 at 12:30 PM Anonymous wrote ...

I agree with John K. inappropriate, yes, illegal no. Take her license and let her go.

24234989
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Thursday, Jun 18 at 1:54 PM John K. wrote ...

Yes, it was inappropriate, so revoke her teaching license-- don't send her to prison for 10 years. It's inappropriate for professionals like attorneys to have sex with their clients, so does that mean a 35-year-old lawyer who has sex with a 30-year-old client goes to prison? No, you deal with it through professional sanctions and license revocations if necessary. Age of consent is age of consent, and unless the state has a statutory provision that raises the age for teacher-student, no crime.

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Tuesday, Jun 16 at 1:04 PM Anonymous wrote ...

Regardless of the age of consent defense or that they both were the same sex, Chase was her teacher and in a position of authority. It is absolutely inexcusable for a teacher to have sex or an inappropriate relationship with a student.

23902639
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Monday, Jun 15 at 2:56 PM Anonymous wrote ...

A series of commercials are running on TV touting the GA Justice system, judges and lawyers. In my view-these folks are all morons. This case proves it. Teachers having relations with students is just plain WRONG. Guess the Supreme Court of GA is educated beyond common sense.

23828117
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Monday, Jun 15 at 2:43 PM ?? wrote ...

Is that because she is a woman??? That's ashame.

23826017
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