DOWNIEVILLE — Emma Shaffer, former Loyalton High School Teacher, was found guilty by plea deal of engaging in an act of unlawful sexual intercourse with a minor, who was her student, and perjury. On Tuesday, she received a split sentence from Judge Jane York Punneo of 2 years, requiring one year in prison and an additional year of mandatory supervision. Shaffer will be registered as a Tier 1 Sex Offender for the next ten years, after which she may petition to be dropped from the registry if no other offenses are committed. She will also be required to attend counseling.

In an emotional proceeding, the parents of the victim gave statements emphasizing that they believed Shaffer was getting a slap on the wrist for her crimes. They explained that the victim had been robbed of his innocence, pointing out in particular the severe abuse of the position of authority she held as the victim’s teacher. “Her being a teacher, [it] amazes me that the laws we deal with here in California have gone to this,” said the father.

During the inappropriate relations between her and the student, Shaffer had developed a plan in case acts were discovered, in which the victim would be blamed. Shaffer lied to the police upon that discovery, saying that it was the victim who sexually assaulted her. The victim was initially suspected of being at fault before further investigation unraveled the story.

A plea deal was ultimately accepted by the prosecution to protect the victim from exposure and reliving the events, which would likely be required for a trial. Restitution, which Shaffer is required to pay, was reserved by the family until the total costs of the ordeal, which include ongoing counseling for the victim, are known. Shaffer is required to pay about $4,000 in fines, but an additional fine of $2,000 for the perjury count was waived by Judge Punneo, who said she would prefer Shaffer save that money for restitution. Sierra County District Attorney Sandra Groven commented, “I am pleased that the matter was able to resolve without the need for a trial. The history and facts surrounding this case are private and personal to all parties. The victim has been traumatized enough throughout the process and the decision to resolve the case was made with the victim’s wellbeing in mind.”

As a Tier 1 Sex Offender, Shaffer will be prevented from being near places where minors gather, including schools, without explicit approval by authorities. Although she will not be posted to the Megan’s Law website, her Sex Offender status will be visible to all future potential employers. If she commits any offenses, including something as simple as a traffic violation, she will lose her ability to petition for removal from the registry after ten years.

Though Shaffer remained silent through most of the hearing, she became emotional after it was made clear to her that she would be remanded and sent to jail that day. Her lawyer had requested she be allowed to turn herself in on Friday when she had arranged for the care of her child with the father. Seeing no reason to allow a time in which Shaffer could harm herself or others and noting that the child was already in the care of another person during the hearing, Judge Punneo denied the request.