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In December, Arnett’s attorneys, John H. and Jon Paul Rion, filed a motion for judicial release arguing Arnett is remorseful and had achieved high marks in prison working as a food service worker and program aid.
Tepe granted the release on May 4.
As part of the judicial release, Tepe ordered Arnett be placed on electronic monitoring until further order from probation, complete sexual offender treatment, have mental health assessment and follow recommendations and that she have no contact with minor children except immediate family members.
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According to the county prosecutor’s office, the student had approached Arnett at school about what he could to do improve his grades, and the teacher initially declined to assist him. Later, Arnett contacted the student on social media and began conversations that were “sexual in nature.” Arnett also sent the student nude images and videos of herself.
On the evening of March 23, 2018, Arnett picked up the student down the street from his home and drove to a nearby parking lot, where they engaged in sexual intercourse in her vehicle, according to the prosecutor’s office.
The incident was later reported to school officials, who contacted police.
“Ms Arnett has a permanent residence with family, and all of her family and friends reside in the area, including her three young children. Ms. Arnett plans on actively seeking work upon her release,” according to the motion asking for release.
The Rions said Arnett accepts responsibility.
“Ms. Arnett is extremely remorseful for her actions and has shown a deeper level of understanding and compassion for all victims,” the attorneys said in the motion.
Prosecutors opposed the early release, noting the victim was 16 years old at the time of the offense and Arnett used her position as an educator to commit the crime.
“The defendant used her position as the victim’s teacher to form a sexual relationship with the student and engaged in sexual conduct. The court gave the defendant a sentence to hold her accountable and punish her for the acts that led to her convictions,” Warren County Assistant Prosecutor Carrie Heisele said the response.
Warren County Prosecutor David Fornshell declined comment about Arnett’s release, other than to say he opposed it.
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