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

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

By NBC Augusta Staff

Story Published: Jun 15, 2009 at 9:36 AM EST

Story Updated: Jun 15, 2009 at 9:36 AM EST

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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Monday, Jun 15 at 1:43 PM ?? wrote ...

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

23826017 Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Monday, Jun 15 at 1:56 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 Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Tuesday, Jun 16 at 12:04 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 Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Thursday, Jun 18 at 12:54 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.

24056467 Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Monday, Jun 22 at 11:30 AM Anonymous wrote ...

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

24234989 Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Friday, Jul 10 at 2:30 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 Inappropriate? Alert Us!

Friday, Jul 10 at 9:48 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 Inappropriate? Alert Us!

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