Teacher pleads guilty to having sex with student

KANSAS CITY, Mo. -- A former learning disabilities teacher has pleaded guilty to having sex with a middle school student in hotels and motels in Platte County and in the woman's home in Clay County.

Rachelle L. Hernandez, 31, entered guilty pleas Friday to charges in both counties.

Court records allege that a relationship between Hernandez and a 14-year-old student at Plaza Middle School in the Park Hill School District became sexual about three weeks into the 2000-01 school year.

Hernandez, who is married and has an infant daughter, pleaded guilty in Platte County Circuit Court to four counts of statutory rape involving the boy at four hotels and motels between Aug. 1, 2000, and early 2001. Under a plea agreement, prosecutors agreed to dismiss four counts of statutory sodomy.

Hernandez also pleaded guilty in Clay County Circuit Court to having sex with the boy on Oct. 4, 2001, when he was 15, at her home in the suburb of Oakwood.

Hernandez was free on bond in both counties, while awaiting sentencing June 20 in Platte County and a week later in Clay County. She could face up to seven years in prison and a fine of $5,000 for each of the five charges.