Teacher took virginity, man says

A 21-year-old Omaha man testified that his life hasn't been the same since a Millard middle school teacher, more than twice his age, took his virginity while he was in eighth grade.

The man, 14 at the time of the alleged assault, said he began smoking marijuana to cope with the pain of being molested. He cut and burned himself and stopped going to high school because he couldn't trust his teachers. He also had trust problems with friends, especially girls.

Prosecutors accuse Stephanie Draper, 36, of Blair, Neb., of having a sexual relationship in 2002 with the boy she met but never taught at Millard North Middle School. She is charged with first-degree sexual assault of a minor, a crime punishable by up to 50 years in prison.

In opening arguments Tuesday afternoon in Sarpy County District Court, Draper's attorney, Chris Perrone of Papillion, told the jury that some of Draper's actions were inappropriate but that his client never had sex with the boy.

The former student's story is different.

According to the man's testimony Tuesday, Draper had seemed really nice. She picked him up and bought him dinner at the Olive Garden. She asked for his cell phone number and called him to see how he was doing. He felt comfortable with her.

A few weeks later, he testified, she invited him over to her house to watch a movie. She served him a glass of Tequila Rose liqueur and told him, “If there was a student I'd like, it would be you.” He felt “weirded out.” Draper started to kiss his lips and neck and pulled off his pants.

Then, he said, she straddled him on the couch. On another occasion, he testified, she gave him oral sex and instructed him on how to give her the same.

The former student said he told his mother when he couldn't keep quiet any longer. Draper had worked with her. His mother was infuriated and sent an e-mail in January 2008 questioning Draper's behavior. The e-mail exchange that prosecutors say ensued was shown to jurors Tuesday.

Draper wrote back that she had been inappropriate with the boy “only about 10 percent of the time.” The former student was angry that Draper didn't admit what he described as the truth, so he responded by telling her to pay him $5,000 for the five years he's suffered or he would go to police. She wrote back saying she didn't have the money, but offered him a ring she said was worth that amount.

In an e-mail to the former student, Draper apologized, writing, “I'm sorry. ... I will go to counseling.” In another e-mail, she wrote, “I've been so scared. I know what I did was wrong. ... At the time, it didn't feel that way.”

She resigned in February 2008 and was arrested in July 2008.

The former student told the jury that he wanted justice served and Draper “behind bars.” Draper is out on bail. She was ordered not to have contact with anyone younger than 18, except her own children.

The trial continues today with cross-examination of the former student.

Contact the writer:

444-1336, leia.mendoza@owh.com

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