School interpreter accused of having sex with students

From: Macon Telegraph, GA - Sep 11, 2004

Associated Press

ATHENS, Ga. - An interpreter for deaf students at an Athens high school was arrested Friday on charges she had sex with three 15-year-old students.

Natasha Walker-McCrary, 32, was charged with three counts each of aggravated child molestation and enticing a child for indecent purposes, according to Athens-Clarke police.

McCrary worked at Clarke Central High School.

Police say she had sex with the students at her home and a local motel. Police also allege McCrary had sex with a 16-year-old student, but was not charged because the boy is legally old enough to consent.

As an interpreter for deaf and hearing-impaired students, McCrary was an employee of the state Department of Education's Northeast Georgia Regional Educational Service Agency working under contract with the Clarke County School District.

"Obviously we're disappointed," said school district spokesman Mike Wooten. "But we're appreciative of the cooperation that RESA, the school district and Athens-Clarke police were able to pull together and bring this case to closure."

A grand jury had issued a warrant for McCrary's arrest on Sept. 1.

Wooten said he did not know how long McCrary had been interpreting at the school.

She was placed on administrative leave when the charges came under investigation in late July, according to Athens-Clarke police Capt. Mark Sizemore.

Each count of aggravated child molestation is punishable by up to 30 years in prison, and enticing a child for indecent purposes carries a maximum prison sentence of 20 years.

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Information from: Athens Banner-Herald, http://www.onlineathens.com

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