Months after finalizing her divorce and settling child support with her husband, a 36-year-old Idaho high school teacher, Jessica Lawson, has been arrested for allegedly having sex with a teenage boy. The incident occurred when police found the boy behind the wheel of Lawson’s car while she was too intoxicated to drive. Lawson now faces charges including two felony counts of rape, delivering a controlled substance, and dispensing alcohol to a minor.
Lawson’s car was pulled over by an officer from the St. Anthony Police Department on November 6 for driving without visible taillights during the early morning hours. The officer discovered that Lawson was not in the car but instead found the teenage boy driving. The boy informed the officer that Lawson had allowed him to drive because she was too drunk to do so. The officer allegedly drove the boy home.
Later that day, the boy’s parents contacted the officer and revealed that their son had confessed to being picked up by Lawson the previous night and taken to her home. The boy claimed that Lawson had become intoxicated and they had engaged in sexual activity. Prior to the parents contacting the officer, Lawson had called the boy’s mother and admitted to giving him alcohol and having marijuana in her house but denied any inappropriate behavior.
Lawson had recently finalized her divorce and custody agreement with her husband in May before the incident occurred. It is unclear whether she had taught the teenage boy prior to the alleged incident. The exact reason for the end of her employment at South Fremont High School is also unknown.
A warrant was issued for Lawson’s arrest on November 13, and a no-contact order was issued on behalf of the victim. Lawson is currently in custody at Madison County Jail on a $250,000 bond. If convicted on all counts, she could face life imprisonment. Her attorney argues that the bond amount is excessive and plans to request a reduction.
Lawson’s preliminary court hearing is scheduled for November 27.
