I went to school with this sick pig.Hang him!

He should take the plea deal and man up to his crime. Robert Mueller Hinsdale Central coach made the mistake of going to trial and lost...got 27 years.

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=4862782

Wheaton North sux.

I feel tricked and lied to but I'm very disappointed. If anything people need to stop complaining and start praying. Keep in mind his little girl, this is something she will live with for the rest of her life. She is the real victim.

Wow I feel ashamed to go to this school

Doesn't matter / had sex.

Hey everyone, a couple of comments were just deleted for violating the terms of use.

"for all have sinned and fall short of the glory of God" Romans 3:23
Satan tempts everyone in a different way, and we all have given into it.
"For whoever keeps the whole law and yet stumbles at just one point is guilty of breaking all of it." James 2:10
Jesus is the only sinless man to ever walk the earth; therefore, he is the only one with the right to judge. Don't judge this man who has given into temptation, pray for him and his family because this is not going to be easy for them.

...Uh...am I the only one that thinks the trampy homewrecker 16 yr old is just as much to blame? This wasn't rape. It was completely consensual. I realize LEGALLY it can be called rape even tho you can be sure that the girl was just as into the idea as he was. Predator shmedator.

@Ash Um, there's a reason the legal age is 18. She was a teenager, she was hormonal! Heck, she probably still is! You can't allow teenagers to make these kind of choices! It is completely his fault! He took advantage of his authority! He broke trust! Yes, she should have been more careful, and yes, she shouldn't have done it in the first place. But he was about thirty-nine at that time, while she was sixteen. That's more than DOUBLE her age! He definitely should've known better. It's one thing to feel a strong emotion towards some one - in this case a sexual emotion - but to act on it is a completely different thing. But, I do wish people would stop talking about him at my school. People in Wheaton are generally fake. I mean, some of these students here used to love him, and know they're saying horrific things about him! Can't wait to get out of this town --- the people here are snobby, rude, and close -minded.

District 200 needs to disclose to the community how many teachers have been terminated for inappropriate conduct, and how long it took to get rid of them/how much money they were paid between the time of discovery and the time of termination. For example what ever happened to the Wheaton-Warrenville South teacher accused of child pornography? As of today you can still find him on the school web site (http://www.cusd200.org/23552011101846420/site/default.asp?)! The District and Board may not be at fault for a given act of misconduct, but they are responsible if they don't make full disclosure. The victims' privacy must be protected, but not the offender once it has been determined that a crime occurred.

How can anyone even turn this the other way? Are you all retarded? As a teacher, an authority and a coach, it's very easy to seduce a vulnerable 16 year old girl. As "great" as many claim klemm to be- looks like very few knew his true colors. He should be hung. Prayers and thoughts go out to the girl and her family. His wife and daughter we well.

At 16 you can get a drivers lic , take responsibility for others lives on the road , get birth control without parental consent, get the morning after pill without parental consent, have an abortion, decide to take a life without parental consent etc...

Ladies and gentlemen, we are not Salem during the witch trials, declaring that a man should be hung is not only wrong, but completely out of the picture for the punishment of this man. I would suggest that before you comment, you not only take time to choose your words carefully, but also comment with a hint of respect. This website is read by hundreds of people and your opinions really are not appropriate.

Even king David, a man after God's own heart, had sex with Bethsheba (sp?). We all fall into temptation, so don't hate on him so much. He is a great teacher and a great man who was tempted.

Wheaton North is not as good a school as people think. A lot more bad things happen at this school it just doesn't get noticed.

What the heck is wrong with you, wheatonite? Like you have the right to say anyone should be hung. That judgement is not within your power. Only God has that power. Practice what you preach. You pray for someone, and that makes you a follower of God, but you just sentenced someone to death???? How dare you. Sorry, that's not how it works. You've committed many sins. I know because you're a HUMAN. When you are the living son of God, then come talk to me. You're a hypocrite.

I know the girl and can say that she wanted this to happen. She was obsessive about being around Mr. Klemm. This was wildly inappropriate that this happened but she is EASILY just as much to blame.

I know the girl and can say that she wanted this to happen. She was obsessive about being around Mr. Klemm. This was wildly inappropriate that this happened but she is EASILY just as much to blame.

He was one of my teachers my freshman year there... he put out the "cool teacher" vibe, but gave me the creeps. He also was about 150lbs+ heavier as well.
There's something sincerely wrong with a person ...a teacher... that thinks its OK to have a relationship like this. I'm disgusted.

Why wasn't anything legally done about this last year. The school knew he was having outside relations with a stident

I am shocked and dismayed at some of the comments placing blame on the girl who, make no mistake, is a victim. Why? Simple. He broke the law-end of story. There are valid reasons such laws exist even if some people (Who are often ignorant.) disagree with them. The blame here lies solely with Edwin Klemm and the school district. I also agree that they likely knew this information and did not disclose it which should put them at fault as well. I hope the police are looking into this probability.

Yes, I was wondering about the timing of the investigation as well. If they broke up 16 months ago - when did the parents discover the relationship? The article states that the student met with investigators "earlier this year" how much earlier? Days, weeks, months? I am confused as to why a teacher being investigated for criminal acts of this nature by legal authorities wasn't put on paid administrative leave. Maybe as a way to prevent him from tampering with evidence? I don't know- just speculating. And by the way, the bulk of these comments add nothing to this discussion.

As a parent at WNHS I will comment... Anytime a teacher is texting students on a regular basis with personal messages, this is not normal. My guard was up with this teacher from the beginning, He has an addictive personality disorder. I wonder if any WNHS parents reported the way in which he engaged with students via text ..and the photos of students on his phone..not normal.
My heart goes out to the young lady involved, her family and it is my sincere prayer if there are other students who have been harmed by this man, please come forward, now is the time.! Mr. Klem has great ratings for his teaching skills--see online reviews...so now, who do the kids trust.? Our students will have their character shaped by this event as so others with tragic events in other schools.
I pray sincerely for the staff at WNHS and the students who must overcome this abuse, and the fact that a perpetrator, a man wearing a mask was amongst our midst for too many years. A.W.H.

Not a good week for Wheaton North HS. Very bizarre.

Lets think about this before everyone gets the torches and rope. What he did really boils down to a violation of the trust that is placed in all teachers, for those charges he will pay with the loss of his career, and some jail time. For the charges relating to the physical intercourse with a 16 year old, I will relay what I have seen in the past involving cases with older teens. A common misconception is that the age of consent is 18 across the United States, when, in fact the majority of states it is 16. Illinois age of consent is 17, exept involving persons of authority like a teacher, priest, cop etc... What most often happens in consentual relationships (which this was, albeit an illegal one) is the "victim" develops amnesia and the charges are dismissed, Most often if it is just some guy in his 20's - 30's doing a 16 year old, and the only complainant is a parent, charges are never brought and he is sent on his way with a stern warning. Sad as it may seem to some of you, the real justice system does not resemble the one you see on tv. No prosecutor likes to take a case that is a sure loser and wastes tax money. Though this guy is going to jail, I would suggest the parents get this girl into some serious therapy to work on whatever issues led her to this. It is not normal behavior for a mentally healthy high school girl to hook up with a teacher, and then conceal the relationship. Whenever these situations come up there are mental defects on both sides.

^^^loudmouth... good post. too many victims.

Another thing....this man's life is basically over. Remember all you "Christian's" in Wheaton (I grew-up there and lived in Wheaton for 40 plus years), prayers are needed for all regarding this act. Remember what Jesus died on the cross for. Being judgemental is not Christian. Praying for her family, his family and the consequences of all is what we need here. God Bless the people involved and wish for them peace and healing.

I am so done with everyone at and around Wheaton North, including all of the judgmental parents. 100% done. They've all basically decided to shun Mr. Klemm and never speak to him again for ruining the school's reputation and making a bad moral decision. YES, he was over a line that he absolutely should NOT have crossed - but now his life is basically ruined because of ONE mistake. He doesn't need all of his friends and students deciding he's a terrible person just because a girl was coming on to him and he didn't stop her. He's still a good man - just a good man who did something bad.

44 years for a voluntary, albeit illegal, relationship with a 16 year old? And don't give me that 'child' spiel. At 16 you can legally drive a car and hold a job. Child labor, anyone? Do we let children behind the wheel of an automobile? Keep in mind that kids as young as 12 are considered mature enough to face the consequences of their actions in court, often with adult / lifetime consequences. What is it about s*x and this country??

I was a 16 year old girl once and resent being thought of (then) as a mindless drone. I would have known whether I wanted to get it on with anyone, teacher or not. She surely was not dragged to these places 11 times.

I am a parent now and I do not believe this man belongs in a class room. He crossed a line when he should not have, was expected not to.

But Criminal Sexual Assault? Minimum 44 years in prison? Pffft!

Interesting that in 2011 Ashley Blumenshine received a $75,000 bond while Edwin Klemm received a bond eight times higher. so much for fairness.

This poor couple. I think we all need to take a step back and say how long can these laws go on? Soon anyone who thinks a 39 year old and a 16year old can't have "love" will be called bigots. Didn't it make them both "happy" for a time? So what if he's married...maybe their marriage was "monogamish" http://www.huffingtonpost.com/gregory-cason-phd/monogamish_b_2806022.html and if so, who are you to judge? When will we finally go back to right and wrong in all areas of human relationships, or stop pretending that there is such a thing? It's one or the other. Our society is so double-minded. We continue to fill the cultural air we breathe with glamorized unrestrained sexualilty as the highest value; yet marvel at the behavior everyone exhales as a result? The one frayed shred of boundary left is crossed and superior "moral" outrage pours forth. This poor couple was only doing what comes naturally - he was living in American Pie and she was trying to be a Cosmo girl. Prison time seems a little outrageous given our current state of morals. Unless of course you do believe in right and wrong....but, then you should have been outraged long before it got this far....and you will be an outcast like Jean Ives has become in the public square. Lets be consistent.

Soul Search, I am thinking that his wife and family are probably not very happy today, despite your unwarranted supposition that they might have had a "monogamish" marriage. Many people also believe that if you cheat on your spouse you are also cheating on your child/children. Anyhow, this has nothing to do with judgement, it is simple actually, he broke the law and will now be held accountable for that. He chose a career that requires ethical behavior, didn't he? As for those who seem to feel that at sixteen they were far more wise, I suspect they might have some memory problems since very few sixteen year old's show good judgement, reasoning ability, etc. In fact, research is now showing that most people don't have these skills nearly as soon as we thought in the past. Typically they are more "fully formed" around the early twenties for the vast majority individuals. The laws are there for a reason. Make no mistake, this girl is the victim here!

At Laura , this girl participated in this relationship long term. Did the teacher cross the line, absolutely but this girl contributed willingly. I knew better when I was 16 years old, my daughters know better, and obviously this girl knew better too. He was still wrong but I believe the law needs to change. Kids are treated as adults when they are just 13 years old. We need to make changes!

Funny with this ongoing investigation, that Barb Intihar, whose been sitting on the District 200 School Board for the past 21 years,went out of her way at a recent candidate forum to indemnify all teachers.

I agree that a 16 year old can drive a car, get birth control, have sex with a fellow 16, 17, 18, 19.....year old of the opposite sex. Times are changing, 18 is not the old 18, in my opinion 18 should be the new 16. I am not in agreement with this situation, but when you read that a man (64 years old) in Glen Ellyn purposely let his Mom lay on a floor and die for weeks and only has a $3000 bond. really????? The courts are messed up!!!!!!!!!!!!

This was a terrible act; however, I don't think it's right that this should ruin the rest of the man's life. 44 years in jail is a life sentence for him. That doesn't teach a man a lesson; that simply imprisons him until he's gone. What if this man has so much more to give? Yes, it was awful, but the punishment is simply too harsh. For at least 40 years, this man has greatly impacted the people around him, and we cannot deny that. All I can ask is, what happened? His horrible judgment and behavior was sudden and clearly unexpected.
I guess in this world, there are no second chances.
My prayers go out to his wife and daughter and the victim-- no one deserves to deal with something like this. I love Wheaton, but since nothing ever really happens here, something like this will stay around forever. So not only does the victim have to deal with the emotional stress of the situation but she has to come home to a town where everyone and their brother is talking about it and many are placing the blame wrongly on her. This is so disheartening. I just hope that we can learn from this and move on and the family and victim can get some peace and quiet in their lives.

This is maniacle

Everybody needs to realize..no one owns this planet...you can't tell people how to live their lives forever..life is a mere illusion..what I mean by this is, if no one ever knew this was going on..no one would even care...yes he should be fired..but by absolutly NO means was this rape...she wanted it..he wanted it...don't give me this "she was 16" garbage....kids these days know more than they ever have....just because a group of people say something "isn't right" doesn't mean its wrong..in a school setting..yes its not right..and he surely knew the consequences that awaited him...and everybody needs to stay out of his buisness...this is not affecting your life...its over.....go on with your lives citizens..

Pretty girl...beware of his heart of gold

She can't consent to sex but she can consent to an abortion. Hmmmmmmmm. The law is messed up.

These posts are now about abortion, a man who let his mom die, etc. This is simply to avoid the fact that what Wheaton North Alum says makes perfect sense and the law agrees. The truth is that some of the people posting saying that his bail is too high, 44 years is too long, etc. are simply making excuses for his behavior. He was in a position of authority, knew what he was doing was wrong, and chose to do it anyway. Now I am supposed to feel sorry for him?!! Would you feel sorry for the drunk driver who harmed your child? No, you and the state will prosecute, as it should be. All of the excuses in the world do not take away the fact that she is the victim here. Hello-that's why the law is there to begin with.

Soul Search, why do you mention abortion-trying to change the subject since Klemm broke the law? Consent laws exist even though you seem to disagree with them. The law is there, in fact, for good reason-could it be that your perception/opinion is what's "messed up?"

It seems essential that any allegations of abuse made against especially a teacher, staff or other positions of power dealt with properly and promptly. The over all best interests of the students adolescents children and families have needs for quick and fairness with consistencies that also provide protection from the alleged victim(s) and livelihood of the person accused where innocent until proven guilty and not through the media ( thank goodness). Meanwhile, allegations left to those qualified to do their jobs in the criminal justice and other authorities are necessary to be done. Especially with fairness to those whom are related to it innocently and all of those whom are victims.

Response to @Laura Zillman 6:34 pm on Thursday, March 21, 2013

This may come as a shock to you but you continuing to yell 'rape' on this site does not negate the fact that there is no such thing in the IL Criminal Code, which you keep 'quoting'. Your continued use of this word clearly demonstrates that you have nothing to add to a conversation about a criminal proceeding and are all about judgment and being morally superior.

You are entitled to your opinion (wrong as it may be) but please spare me the condescending tone.

@Gwen

Nope, sorry Laura is absolutely correct: http://aspe.hhs.gov/hsp/08/sr/statelaws/statelaws.shtml#Illinois

There are 4 types of statutory rape in the State of Illinois. If either party is under 17 years of age, it is statutory rape. It has nothing to do with moral superiority.

Furthermore, read that link and particularly the part about mandatory reporting. The school had a legal obligation to report this. Think about the timeline provided. The illegal interactions between Klemm and the underage student are said to have taken place between February 2011 and December 2011. Yet, Klemm was asked to resign from the speech team in May 2011. What caused that? If you ask the students with whom he was open, it was a meeting with Principal Jill Bullo. She needs to be investigated just as much as he does.

As a family member of Klemm's I take a lot of your comments to be offensive! Especially any of you that has said he deserves to be hung! What if this was your family member how would you feel?! These comments aren't needed at all, they are over the top and are down right disrespectful! This is something that affects me personally a great deal! He is one of the greatest people i know, he has always been there for you offering encouragement and respect! Imagine being in any of his families or close friends shoes and what we are all going through! He has been the reason for so many good things in my life, he has helped me when I was lost as well as been a mentor to me for so many years! None of you know what the real story is or what either of them where going through or if this was just blown out of proportion! No one knows but God! Who are any of you to say and judge this man for his actions? We all have skeletons in our closets! Besides like many of you have said, if this did happen the way the media has displayed it, it takes two people and I was 16 once that girl had a choice she could have said no. They both had a choice! But maybe instead of judging everyone else for what you might think they have done wrong maybe you should worry about yourself and worry about the wrong choices you make!! And while you're at it, why don't you be considerate of the family who is struggling, hurting and in a great deal of pain!

I cannot even stand to read these comments. What a bunch or rubbish. I work in a high school. I had to take an online course explaining how sexual predators "groom" their victims by special attention etc. Sure he seemed like a nice guy. Sure he made a mistake. There is no way you can blame the victim here. I thought Wheaton was supposed to be a "nice" town so I am shocked at all the claptrap about the victim being at fault.
Somebody in the administration must have had an inkling about this and my guess is that they will soon be in big trouble. This is what they are be paying big money for to administer policies.

OK, I just went back and read the posts about the child porn teacher who taught at South. Everyone yapping about God being the ultimate judge - do you not believe in the judicial system? What if this had been a minority who lived in low income housing? Then would you be so easy to forgive?
Does Mr. Klemm go to a church here in the area by any chance?
I think anyone with any info about this needs to pressure the administration ASAP.
And, since I work in a high school and see it every day I want to emphasize that high school can be awful for students and teachers can hold an unimaginable amount of sway over vulnerable students. And in our society today we infantilize teenagers yet they are in a hyper-sexual society so they are more vulnerable than ever.

So you're saying that she didn't choose to go to his house or the parking garage or in his car?? I'm pretty sure that he didn't kidnap her.. So she had to willingly go to these places and she willingly had sex! So you also can't tell me he is totally in the wrong! How do you even know this is the truth? He might have talked a lot about her or been close to her.. But how do you know she wasn't obsessed with him and initiated these encounters and pursued him? How do you not know that she didn't make these things up? You don't! NOT a single one of you know exactly what happened!!! How do you know or can prove that either one is lying?!?

Actually "wheaton north alum" this is not affecting your life....everything that happened to you....happened well before all of this...your just sad and embarassed because of what happened....get over it...just because this inncident occured...doesn't make him a bad person...

And another thing..sex is not that big of a deal....getting married is a MUCH bigger deal then sex...

or even having a baby for that matter..

sol stone is actually 100% correct...and the "eyes of the law" are false

You people, the ones that are trying to lessen the blame on Ed, are absolutely nuts! You also seem to ignore the LAW. It doesn't matter ONE BIT how much, if any, this girl came onto him or wanted the relationship...IT IS AGAINST THE LAW TO HAVE SEX WITH SOMEONE UNDER THE LEGAL AGE OF CONSENT!!!! Even if this girl came onto him and did not ease up, WHAT HE DID IS AGAINST THE LAW! I don't know if he attends a church or not (someone made a comment about him going to church) but I do know that he was a small group leader in my high school youth group about 20 years ago. He has always worked with kids, at least since his college days. To thise that know of other instances at WN or cover ups involving him in the past, I can't wait to see the blow back on the school from all of this!!

I don't give a hoot if she was stark naked in front of him. This was rape in the eyes of the law and to anyone with an iota of common sense. He was in a position of authority and that means there are lines that aren't crossed EVER!!! The vast majority of those in authority choose not to cross these lines. Mr. Klemm clearly didn't, as HE ADMITS!!! In fact, this is unfair to all of those who choose every day not to cross those lines. They could if they chose to, right? Should we punish them instead? Yes, this means we should punish teachers who practice good judgement, self-control, etc. Will that make some of you happy? Or, hmmm maybe he just deserves to be held accountable for the mistakes HE ADMITS he made!!

The next school board meeting is scheduled for April 10th at Longfellow. at 7:30. I plan to go and ask questions about the the district policies. The part of this story that enrages me is that some people have stated that the administration knew what was going on. This is unacceptable. As I stated in a previous post administrators are paid high salaries to oversee the school. And since I work in a school (different district) I am mighty tired of administrators taking the easy way out and turning a blind eye to problems
I am also the mother of three naive girls. At work I see how students hang on every word delivered by a favorite teacher. I can see how easily teens can be "groomed." I aim to discuss with the school board how this came to happen and what may be done to ensure that it never happens again.

jadee we happen to live in this district and will have two girls attending high school next year. I agree, they are at an age where they are easily groomed and we have even discussed grooming with them! We have contacted the school about similar incidents in the past and have not seen sufficient results or, any results, in some cases. It seems extremely unlikely that the school administration was unaware what Mr. Klemm was doing. Unfortunately, we are unable to attend the meeting. If you are able, we would love to see you post again after you attend so we know how it turned out? Thank you! Hopefully those who chose not to disclose, if that is indeed what happened, will be held accountable.

Laura Zilman, you talk to much. Have you ever thought that maybe you don't have the whole world figured out and actually don't know absolutely everything? Wow! What a realization that would be! You're judgemental and the things you say can CROSS THE LINE. And no matter how well anyone on here claims to have known him it doesn't mean you yourself have any judgement power. Because you don't. So don't go thinking you do. Ya what he did was horribly wrong. What you're doing is wrong too, because you're casting a whole lot of judgement. That is most definitely not your place. So learn to shut your mouth, Laura.

Feel free to flag my comments if they offend you; feel free to offer me specific examples of what I've said that bothers you if you'd like to have a civil conversation about it. Judging me for being judgmental doesn't seem quite as effective, though...

Laura, so many people who live in this area are in agreement with you and appreciate your comments. Sadly, sometimes people closely involved-or not, in some cases with these types of predators and, they certainly are predators-are "blind" to how this can happen as we all want to believe that we would be able to tell, that we are better judges of character, etc. than we are sometimes. The reality is that more often than not, they do "blend in" very well and therefore can be very dangerous. Those close to them will often see this eventually but it usually takes a lot of time. (Prior to this, blaming the victim is all they can do to avoid dealing with the reality of the situation, since blaming the victim is much easier, emotionally, at least for a while.) Nonetheless, at the end of the day we are all safer since Mr. Klemm is exactly where he belongs and therefore, our daughters are at lease a little safer.

What is up with all the comments from people who don't even know him!?. Mr klemm is my teacher; was. He was a great teacher who made a bad decision. And people who don't know him, stop making assumptions. This effects me, & all of the students who had him. Tbh, I think 44 years is to long. Did he commit a crime? Yes. But he has no other background, & is a funny, understanding guy. & he did admit it his actions, which proves he knows what he did is wrong, and isn't going to try & lie about it. It's sad because he just ruined his life/reputation, & he is not a horrible person

Student of klemm, how do you define a "good person?" Do any "mistakes" weigh more in your evaluation? How does being funny and understanding relate here? And what assumptions are you wanting people not to make given that you too are making assumptions? Is any mistake cleared as long as its admitted? Does it matter to you that he was only admitting his "mistake" once he got caught? He truly was "arrested" in his behavior, but not until he was arrested!!! Perhaps you would be better to defend say a person who, drunk for te very first time, made the mistake of driving and while so doing caused a car accident that physically harmed his wife and daughter. There's no lying, there really is a one-time mistake, and while they will have challenges forever they can face them together in tact as a family. He can spend the rest of his life assisting them and showing his love for them. Here we have a person who truly cares for no one but himself.. Really. He lied and lied and lied and lied about it all to his wife and his other students and to administrators until the police were involved. the pain of his family at his betrayal and filth and incarceration will be far worse. No we shouldn't hang him and be unkind, yes there is always hope if forgiveness with a gracious God, but you have made the mistake of calling his behavior a "mistake" and not gross character deficiency and treachery of the highest order.

OMG @student of klemm: I understand you are upset, but you are driving down the wrong lane of the highway here. A "nice guy and understanding teacher" committed a crime. Would you feel differently if he was a mean and not understanding teacher? Geez! "Nice" and "funny" and "understanding" guys are not exempt from this. He lied over and over again: to his students, his speech team kids, to the school and his fellow colleagues, and to his family. He used his position of authority to take advantage of a minor. It's disgusting what he did. Presumably he knew right from wrong morally as well as knowing that he was breaking the law but he proceeded down that path anyway. He made a decision. Now look what the consequences of his actions are: a host of legal troubles and jail time are a given. But think about what he is putting his family through. Financial insecurity (this is an understatement) since he will never get a teaching job again. How will he provide for his family? How are the bills going to get paid? He will have to register as a sex offender and probably wear a monitoring device. He will not be able to be around kids under the age of 18, meaning he'll not be able to attend his daughter's soccer games, or swim meets, or dance recitals, you get the gist here. A little girl will be losing her father. It's tragic what she has to go through now. And what of his marriage? I can't imagine what his wife is going through and what she will have to endure.

Oh, dear.

Despite her still being a teenager, the young woman involved in this matter definitely was no longer a child and was most definitely a young woman at the time of these events.

The argument that the young woman was a victim because the Illinois statute says so (full stop!) is very weak. An argument such as that implies that all laws right and fair *just 'cuz*. A logical conclusion is that if for whatever reason the law is changed and the age of consent is lowered to fifteen (or fourteen, or eight for that matter), that would be fine with you.

If you'd like to argue your point, you'll have to state why you think this particular law and this particular age are right and fair.

This law is also predicated on the belief that at some specific age, people start making good decisions, and Mr. Klemm, as well as you and I, are testaments to the fact that that is definitely not true. And there is no doubt that Mr. Klemm's error in judgement was especially egregious, but it most definitely does not warrant a 44-year-sentence.

It is clear that these two people had a *dating* relationship, albeit completely inappropriate and in most people's opinion (mine included) illegal. Veryt illegal. However, this idea of each sexual act being one count of sexual assault is illogical, if not ridiculous. The whole event was one doozy of an offense. 4 years in jail. Done.

Please read on...

Also, the young woman is *most definitely* to blame for her own actions, just as Mr. Klemm is to blame for his. Of course, this in no way blames the 'victim' for *his* actions, it's blaming *her* for *hers*. (Full stop!) And that is not to say that his transgression and her transgression are equal by any stretch of the imagination. Of course, she shouldn't be prosecuted for any type of criminal behavior.

Also, the young woman is *most definitely* to blame for her own actions, just as Mr. Klemm is to blame for his. Of course, this in no way blames the 'victim' for *his* actions, it's blaming *her* for *hers*. (Full stop!) And that is not to say that his transgression and her transgression are equal by any stretch of the imagination. Of course, she shouldn't be prosecuted for any type of criminal behavior.

And I certainly don't mean to blame her parents, but there seems to be some *huge* gap if the influence of a teacher can erase all the influence of her upbringing.

The culpability of administrators and fellow faculty members should not, and can not, be ignored.

I also find it unlikely that Mr. Klemm "groomed" her in any way that was significantly different than how he interacted with the majority of his students. Mr. Klemm apparently really needed and wanted to be liked by everyone.

This seems more like a terrible outcome to a typical mid-life crisis crossing paths with a typical school-girl crush, but in a very new and different world.

Please read on...

Events like this (in many respects not unlike Steubenville) should serve as a wake-up call to parents who's heads are in the sand regarding the advanced sexual prowess of teens and pre-teens, and the ubiquitous and massive amount of exposure to unbridled, explicit sexual imagery through computers and cell phones. And this is material of every kind imaginable; I'm not talking Dad's Playboy or Hustler. No judgments about any particular sexual proclivities among consenting individuals, but when pre-teens are exposed to such material without guidance (and trust me, most kids are seeing it daily), it only makes sense that this generation's perception of sex, sexuality, and casual, public sexual expression is very, very (very!) different than our own.

Parents, you may want to brace yourselves and see "Spring Breakers". While the plot is taken to an implausible extreme, the backdrop of college-age partying is, I think, pretty realistic.

I think most dad's are more aware of what this generation is exposed to because the dads are looking at it it themselves, whereas most moms are not.

I would also remind wives that most husbands, even church-going husbands, would appreciate a little freak in the bedroom without judgment.

Sincerely,
A former Dist. 200 teacher (who also grew up attending a Baptist church in Wheaton)

P.S.
And also to 30- and 40-something parents who came of age in the years of the AIDS crisis as I did: most people that are 29 and below have a shockingly absent fear of contracting HIV. Talk to your kids!

whose, not who's

Great points Wnhs mom! I can only hope that the vast majority of people reading this understand that your point is what about the family and numerous friends of this predator? It is astonishing that people so easily forget about them and seem to only want to focus on him being "wronged," somehow.

Hmmmmm and Wnhs mom, thanks for your words of reason.

ED BROKE THE LAW, what else do you people need to hear? Nobody forced him to do what he did. It DOES NOT MATTER what, if anything, this girl did to provoke him...IT DOES NOT MATTER!!! He broke the law, plain and simple!! Adultery is not illegal, a 16 y/o driving is not illegal, a grown man having sex with someone legally considered a child IS ILLEGAL...criminal history or not. Ed may very well be a nice guy, he was when I knew him, but he still deserves to be punished for committing a crime! Most of you are just wasting your words by trying to defend him and say that the girl came onto him, that is irrelevant!! If this had happened between him and a 40 y/o woman and he was going to trial for adultery would you be arguing that he shouldn't get in trouble because she came onto him? Probably not...I think you'd all be wondering how he could do such a horrible thing to his wife and child. Do you see my point?

WNHS principal is the highest paid in the district?http://wheaton.patch.com/articles/20-highest-paid-district-200-school-administrators
Jill Bullo Principal, Wheaton North High School
$150,685 $9,041 $29,724 $189,450
And the district policy (which everyone who works in schools anywhere know)
http://www.cusd200.org/235310927153611160/lib/235310927153611160/_Files/5.90_Abused_and_Neglected_Child_Reporting.pdf
I

I, for one, see your point loud and clear and I agree with you totally, @firefighter57

Firefighter 57, thank you for using common sense and trying, at least, to explain the law to some of these individual's.

Oh, and here's a call out to Unheard! Good to see you're still fighting the good fight!

I'm a little late getting to this party, but WOW... I can't believe some of the nonsense I'm reading! Klemm is a creep and there are a few too many folks here who seem to think that what he did isn't all that bad. Why is that? He broke the law and he betrayed his position of trust, and he should be punished for that. He's somehow provoked a lot of sympathy on the part of the public based on the outdated ideology that "he's a man and a man can't be blamed for giving into THAT sort of temptation." I say--as a man--men should be stronger than that. Are we to believe that men aren't capable of being stronger than that? Are we going to accept that the best men can do is hit, rape and kill women, expecting that society will mitigate their blame by wrongly attributing part of it to the victim? How completely twisted is that? Men can do and should do better and be stronger than that. I say: What a sorry excuse for a man is Ed Klemm.

Oh, and here's a call out to Unheard! Glad to see you're still fighting the good fight!

Having a bit of a problem with this critter today! Sorry for the extra posts!

The are legal system states one is innocent until proven guilty. Being that this has not gone to trial yet. Your opinions are just that opiniobs.... Legal facts remain but the facts of this case have yet to be determined.

Guess what folks they BOTH broke the law

wheatonmom2 is is so obvious that your are indeed defending Klemm, over and over in fact. I would even go so far as to say that your are actually wondering why SHE isn't arrested-since, she was not raped-in your mind, only since you choose to disregard the law. To be very frank, I think you must have some serious "issues," with women since you label her a "little sexpot" and are barely able to utter that HE did a just a little something wrong-again, only in your mind-though then you go right back to blaming HER. Kindly take another look at Vincent's post. This is how men are supposed to act. They are capable. Mr. Klemm CHOSE not to act the way many, in fact, most men are capable of. See, this is not about HER, HER, HER as we keep hearing from you!!I This is all about HIM, HIM, HIM!!! No one can convince you of that fact. Luckily for all of us parents with children in Dist. 200, it is at least a little bit safer to send our children to school not that he's been arrested.

wheatonmom2 I think what Laura Zillman is trying very patiently to explain to you was that she did not have a legal right to consent, therefore, is is clearly RAPE. Minors do not have the legal right to consent, end of story. I should add that there are numerous reasons for this which is why the law exists to begin with, to your dismay, evidently. This "case" is actually very simple since he was her teacher as well. This explains why many people here disagree with you. I don't know how much clearer we can be.

@observer in DuPage: you stated: "The whole event was one doozy of an offense. 4 years in jail. Done."
No, it was not just one big offense. It was multiple offenses and I believe it's 4 years for every count, thus the 44 years. If you and others don't like the laws on the books, then write to your congressmen/women to change them. Run for office yourself. Personally, I feel strong sentences and laws are necessary to send a strong, loud and clear message.

That's right, Unheard and Wnhs Mom! The reasoning behind the law regarding the use of the term rape is to take the issue of consent out of the legal equation involving minors so that creatures like Klemm couldn't defend going after under-aged people by claiming the sex was consensual. Wheatonmom2, maybe you ought to make peace with this issue by putting the blame where it belongs, on Klemm--you thought he was a nice person and he betrayed his community, his family and his students.

Read any major newspaper closely for a week or two and you'll see that we have a lack of consistency and degree in the laws we've created, how our police and prosecutors enforce them, and how our judicial system punishes the convicted. Considering the facts that have been made public, is 44 years really an appropriate punishment in this particular case? How about if the young woman was assaulted and forcibly raped by gun or knifepoint? Consider the case of NIU freshmen Antinette Keller. Just this morning, her admitted killer was sentenced to 37 years.

http://abclocal.go.com/wls/story?section=news/local&id=9051373

So WNHS parent do two wrong's make a right? Maybe this is exactly what they are doing. Ensuring that those who willingly break the law and devastate others, including their own families get what they deserve. Every reasonable adult screams about the article you posted above for good reason!! We simply want justice so people understand that when you break the law and devastate everyone around you, we, as a people are safer when you are locked up. Everything is a choice!!!! Some love to blame the justice system, their neighbors, whoever is convenient at the moment. Others are taught and understand consequences.

Once in a while we try minors as adults, but not consistently. I wonder what tune the majority here would be singing if this 16-year-old girl had become infatuated with the teacher to the point that she had gone to his home and remove his wife from the picture, just as 16-year-old Amy Fisher had shot Mary Jo Buttafucco, wife of her adult lover Joey Buttafuoco. Neither of them were sentenced to 44 years in prison.

Charlotte is censoring the news.
the PTA - CuSD 200 video has been available since Friday, 4/5.
The Winfield Registry Endorsement was out Saturday.
I sent a note to Charlotte. As you can see below. She replied.

Last night when neither appeared on the patch, I submitted a blog to the patch,
it has not appeared either.
I did put a comment on the letter for Nenninger
http://wheaton.patch.com/articles/letter-kyle-nenninger-would-bring-parent-s-perspective-financial-expertise-to-d200-board

I think I will put this as a comment on a well read blog.

Jan Shaw
candidate CUSD 200 school board

--- On Mon, 4/8/13, Charlotte Eriksen <charlotte@patch.com> wrote:

From: Charlotte Eriksen <charlotte@patch.com>
Subject: Re: Winfield Register
To: "Jan Shaw" <janshaw200@yahoo.com>
Date: Monday, April 8, 2013, 7:28 AM

Thanks for sending

On Sun, Apr 7, 2013 at 6:16 PM, Jan Shaw <janshaw200@yahoo.com> wrote:
Did you see the Winfield register endorsements? (attached)

And how about posting a link to the PTA - CUSD200 forum
http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=Aws9ZQyxEFA

Thanks
Jan Shaw
candidate CUSD 200 school board

--
Charlotte Eriksen

Editor, Wheaton Patch
wheaton.patch.com
630-589-7732

Like Wheaton Patch on Facebook!

@Laura ZILLman, as fire 57 put it, crazy much? And @unheard, you seriously think she's (L ZILLman) "trying be patient", seriously? Perhaps the 2 of your heads are burried in the same sand pit. As many have stated, including myself and MULTIPLE times, we agree that he was wrong and don't need to keep beating that dead horse! But your complete refusal to see the situation for all the other issues involved with reference to HER willingness and responsibility in this terribly sad situation is absolutely baffling! This man has been sitting in the DuPage County Jail for nearly a month and being charged with 11 counts? Really? They ARE treating him like a full blown rapist and in fact, actual RAPE is not given this harsh of a journey in our messed up legal system! So yes, UNHEARD, while I wasn't defending him previously, per say, I can, without uncertainty, tell you I am definitely defending him now. May this young woman who willingly and affectionately had a relationship with him be haunted for the rest of her life for playing the "victim" in all of this and destroying this mans life by not coming forward and telling the truth so that the charges against him are at least reduced to what they should be for "having sex with a minor"!!!! He did NOT rape her, no matter how much rederric you, Laura ZILLman, try to come up with!

wheatonmom2, I believe the word you were looking for is rhetoric. I get your meaning though, as I've seen much rhetoric that you've put forth as arguments to mitigate Klemm's actions. You also use an old debate trick that goes "I didn't support the argument then, but now, faced with opposition, I must support it." That old chestnut isn't generally used anymore because it's nonsensical. The truth is that you've always had Klemm's back. As for the victim of this issue, perhaps you think of this as a Hollywood blockbuster movie where the victim will forever look back on her and Klemm's "encounter" with fondness, grateful that he helped her passage into womanhood or some such drivel. More likely, she'll feel that she had a genuine but immature affection for him as a leadership figure and that he took advantage of that to indulge his selfish second-adolescence fantasy. Her thinking might be that she was just a kid and he should have taken the high road, recognized that and said, "No." That's speculation, but it's certainly more probable than the former idea. What really gets my dander up is that you are of the opinion that men are incapable of better behavior and utter incapable of saying no to temptation. I'm saying that men need to stop being prats and start showing some sense. As Shakespeare put it: "Women will fall (suffer), when there's no strength in men." And why should they?

I'm certainly glad that Unheard and Zillman are here to offer some common sense to the discussion.

wheatonmom2 then the law is baffling, in your mind. Go ahead change it or... here's an idea... maybe it just boils down to a YOU issue. No, just go to the courthouse, call your senator, house member, congress and they will also try to patiently tell you WHY THIS IS A LAW AND IT IS IN NO WAY, SHAPE OR FORM HER FAULT AND INDEED, THIS IS WHAT MAKES IT RAPE. Then, you will continue to argue and they won't care one iota since you are wrong and most people disagree with you and comprehend this which, is why the LAW exists to begin with. The only problem you have is you don't like the law. You don't have to like the law but you should respect the vast majority who love this law, instead of selfishly trying to change everyone's mind to your way of thinking. Frankly, you are just wasting your time. He will do a lot of his own time, as he and the law/people want.

@WNHS parent- your analogy of the Amy Fisher/Joey Buttafuoco case was absolutely perfect!!!! I wonder if that will be simple enough for all of these Closed minded folk to understand!!!

wheatonmom2 you keep acting like you are above the law. She did nothing wrong and was indeed raped according to law. This law exits even though you don't like it. You don't have to. Go ahead, call your mayor, congressman, etc. and they will tell you the same exact thing. Those in positions of power especially though even if they aren't can not, by law touch minors. It's just that simple. You can keep demeaning her as much as you like. We don't like it and you need to accept that as well. You are obviously so mad that the law isn't on your side here that you somehow think you can change that fact and other peoples minds. NEWS FLASH- the law exists because the vast majority DISAGREE with you. Why can't you understand that? Do you think you run Wheaton too?

wheatonmom2, I believe the word you were looking for is rhetoric. I get your meaning though, as I've seen much rhetoric that you've put forth as arguments to mitigate Klemm's actions. You also use an old debate trick that goes "I didn't support the argument then, but now, faced with opposition, I must support it." That old chestnut isn't generally used anymore because it's nonsensical. The truth is that you've always had Klemm's back. As for the victim of this issue, perhaps you think of this as a Hollywood blockbuster movie where the victim will forever look back on her and Klemm's "encounter" with fondness, grateful that he helped her passage into womanhood or some such drivel. More likely, she'll feel that she had a genuine but immature affection for him as a leadership figure and that he took advantage of that to indulge his selfish second-adolescence fantasy. Her thinking might be that she was just a kid and he should have taken the high road, recognized that and said, "No." That's speculation, but it's certainly more probable than the former idea. What really gets my dander up is that you are of the opinion that men are incapable of better behavior and utter incapable of saying no to temptation. I'm saying that men need to stop being prats and start showing some sense. As Shakespeare put it: "Women will fall (suffer), when there's no strength in men." And why should they?

wheatonmom2 it is unfortunate that you, evidently, like to justify breaking laws. If this is your choice in your personal life well, I find that unfortunate. You, however, certainly have no right to preach that someone isn't a rapist, simply because you say so. Who do you think you are? The law is clear and exists because the majority said so. KLEMM IS A RAPIST AND BROKE THE LAW. I suspect you have some serious issues dealing with not only women but, even girls since this one was a minor. Some therapy might do you a lot of good!!

Wow, unheard, angry much? You give me far too much credit but at least you said "most", not "all" disagree with me! Funny, I've read all of the comments and while there are MULTIPLE posts about how this man should "hang", they are by the same few folk. I've read just as many who say what I have been saying, and it has NOTHiNG to do with the law or changing it! So no problem, perhaps that's why these forums exist! We are certainly a community of debate on this subject but I can assure you, many think he is not the only one to blame in this situation! To Vincent- problem with men, absolutely not, as I'm well aware there are millions in our society who behave like pigs, each and every day! However, there are also many men who do not, have not, and are good humans who made bad choices, laws or not! Clearly those of you that have issues with "men" are perhaps those that are unwilling to believe that we are not perfect creatures, and it is unimaginable that this man should spend 44 years in prison for having sex with a minor! You all really do like to use the word rape, don't you? Regardless of the many attempts to explain why it was not!!!

PS, Vincent- correct, rhetoric! Darn iPhones spell/grammar checks are a funny, and funny it is that you'd play that card to try and discredit what I was actually saying, but that's OK!

Just one more thing, Vincent- quoting Shakespeare is contradictory since the "law" had no existence for age appropriate sex partners, lovers, or wives for that matter. In other words, it was common in that era for men to be with young girls as soon as they were able to bare children! Do i agree with it? no, but It doesn't mean "I have Klemms back" just because Im able to understand the complexity of it all!! Just a thought!

wheatonmom2 it was RAPE. Everyone else understands this basic concept and guess what? That doesn't mean just a few of us here. If more people posting here or not, agreed with you then it would be the law, wouldn't it? It would not be rape but, it is right? Why else would he be in jail? I think you are really getting desperate here. Do you have trouble understanding simple facts?
Great points again, Vincent.

@wheatonmom2: there is no defending Klemm and his actions at all.

make an example out of both these sad people who left common sense to the wind or just really had a poor up-bringing. blow a whistler or mace in the face. go sex your wife not someone who doesn't know how to love or is deemed by the law unable to make conscious decisions regarding an inkling to know right from wrong.

Tweakcity1987... In the words of old Bing in White Christmas, "When I figure out what that means I'll come up with a crushing reply."

Well, if the case of the Plainfield teacher is any indication, Klemm won't spend anywhere near 40+ years behind bars. Of course, the Plainfield teacher was a woman and her under-age student lover was a boy...

http://plainfield.patch.com/articles/tearful-teacher-pleads-to-sex-with-student-gets-11-days-in-jail

Here's a prime example of the inconsistency of our entire justice system. Two people (assuming they're both found guilty) accused of the same/similar crimes, and one gets a slap on the wrist, the other is going to be made an example of. (Note the difference in the tone of the comments at the end of the article about this woman teacher; compare them to the comments at the end of articles about Klemm. We seem to have gotten the judicial system we deserve.)

http://plainfield.patch.com/articles/tearful-teacher-pleads-to-sex-with-student-gets-11-days-in-jail

WNHS parent , under the law, this boy was "RAPED", right @unheard and @Laura ZILLman? And @Vincent, what must Shakespeare have thought of this woman? Apparently not just men's bad behavior should get your "dander up"!

thanks for sharing that article WNHS parent...relevant.

Relevant.. Thanks for sharing

Yes, thank you WNHS parent. I couldn't help but use it in a little "sarcasm" towards those that have been so adamant about what a horrible man Mr. Klemm is! This article supports so much of what I've been trying to convey on his behalf. He was still wrong, but the witch hunt in pursuit of this man as if he's a threat to society and our children is about as probable as this woman being one! Incredible double standard society we live in, isn't it? And I'll assume those that keep referring to this girl as a"victim" in this case will contradict themselves in some way to suggest that this "boy" is not a victim since he's a boy! Truth is, neither one are victims, which is what I've said about her, all along. Funny, a week later and after a request for some "real debate" from the Klemm haters, still no new word. Perhaps the absurdity of quoting the law, calling him a rapist and her a poor, innocent victim, finally sunk in!

So sorry to get back to you sooner, wheatonmom2. Apparently, in your mind, this issue of yours trumps both the Boston Marathon tragedy and the local widespread flooding here in Dupage that's had folk so preoccupied this past week. Such a shame that people don't jump when you want them to, no? Nonetheless, for the record, the article does illustrate that there is an inconsistency in the law, and what a legal genius you are for having sussed THAT out. My take is this: the boy is a victim, an under-aged boy. The woman is a sexual predator and she SHOULD get a far stiffer sentence than this. She should have faced four years for each count she was charged with. That's the law and that's how it should have been pursued. Your incessant worry about Klemm, besides being creepy, is completely unfounded--something similar will no doubt happen in his case and sadly, he'll never see 44 years in jail as he deserves, because there is always a bunch of people who want to excuse horrible, society-eroding behavior. Klemm and this other creature both deserve the ruin that they've made of their lives, because that is what happens when you do bad things.

And for the record, wheatonmom2, Shakespeare might have felt very much the same for both these creatures. Shakespeare didn't mind casting stones at either sex for rotten behavior, which you'd know if you invested more time in reading than you do in defending sexual criminals.

Much to your dismay wheatonmom2, here I am again. Trying again to explain that you, even you with your haughty attitude can't change the law. It was RAPE, legally and otherwise. I find it very disturbing that you would rather see a teacher in a position of authority given a reduced sentence for well... any crime but especially rape!! You keep wanting to demonize this GIRL which is extremely disturbing. Why not just get some counseling to deal with your "issues" with girls and probably women as well? Laws are there for good reason (except when YOU disagree with them, evidently.) He chose to teach. He also chose his own long jail sentence in turn. In fact, it seems as if even he feels a presumably long sentence is justifiable so why can't you? I for one, feel the most sympathy for this victim but also his innocent wife and daughter. Its clear that you couldn't care less about the magnitude of how this affects them though, probably since they are females.

And once again, you hit below the belt, concluding that I need therapy since I must have issues with women and girls. So basically everything I've tried to explain just angers you to the point of personally insulting me instead of actually reading why I state that I understand BOTH sides of this situation. Understanding why you have the right to disagree with my opinion is fine but this constant need to phsycoanyalize me for my opinion because it doesn't fall in line with what YOU think is suggestive that you have issues, not me! I' have "demonized" this "girl" by informing you she was a willing participant in this RELATIONSHIP? Really? But you absolutely hit below the belt when you suggested I care nothing about Klemms family, driving the hit harder this must be fact because they're females? My heart absolutely breaks for this wife and 5th grade daughter, and makes my sorrow that much deeper that this little girl will lose her father and her parents, as a family unit, and all because of a really bad, dumb, and life changing decision he made to be with this young woman!! That, however, will do nothing but even make my opinion that much stronger for how he. Is NOT the monster you keep accusing him of being and that SHE absolutely should be held accountable in some way for having people like you actually snowed into thinking that she is nothing but a victim and he a rapist!!

On to Vincemt. While you're not quite as insulting as unheard, I'll be honest to tell you that you are absolutely right, Shakespeare is not my " thing" when it comes to reading. However, perhaps my well rounded choice of literature is what allows me to be intelligent and reasonable enough to understand just how complicated this tragic situation is, for BOTH parties, including his wife and little girl!!! I will say that after ALL the requests for what your and unheards "opinions" are in reference to HER initiating him at HIS house, over a dozen times! I believe you refered to him and others alike as "prats" for not resisting the temptation of seduction and shamed him for not taking the higher road! Ironically, I agree, I was just looking for a reasonable explanation of how anyone continuously paints him as a rapist as a result of such encounters! Lastly, our basement flooded, I've listened to the news daily as the bombings in Boston unfolded and actually had 2 friends there, running in it! I get notices via email when someone posts on this article, that's all!

When I told my 16 year old daughter about this incident back when it hit the press and I explained the trouble this teacher is in, she immediately stated that the girl who had the relationship with him is to blame as well. That there is no way at her age that she did not know what she was doing, especially since this was not a one-time thing. My daughter is a straight A student and very mature for her age. I do not condone what was done here, but I do agree that some of you are persecuting this man with facts from the press. He is not a monster lurking our streets. He was a man that stupidly used his emotion instead of his common sense. I think that a good majority of you may have done something in your life that could have turned out this bad if you would have been caught. Please have mercy on these individuals. They are all in pain and you don't need to add to it with your vicious opinions.

Wheatonmom2, yes, the word would be prat for anyone who can't find it within themselves to do the right and/or legal thing. Fact of the matter is that we wouldn't even need laws if folks would just do the right things--things that anyone could agree upon--but they don't, and not only do they not do the right things, they want to do the wrong thing and try to excuse and justify what they do, so as not to have to acknowledge that they simply chose to ignore any sort of moral compass and a plethora of law that actually spells out what they shouldn't do. Now, how wacky is that? The law regarding what Klemm shouldn't have done has been well established in these posts, and the law doesn't provide that if the student initiated the incidents that Klemm would be held blameless. He committed the acts, earned the label and now has to face the penalty if convicted. As for the last part of your post, I didn't like having "stones thrown" at me for not replying to your previous post within a week, hence the comment about flood and Boston situation. I'm up for debate but time's are busy for us all.

Vincent, I couldn't agree more! I hope wheatonmom2 will find it in herself to solely blame Klemm, instead of continually saying that though what he did was wrong, the victim had a part to play here too. That is not the definition of victim and, in fact, is extremely insulting to her and her family.

wheatonmom2 I do not intend to say in any way, shape or form that this girl is not a victim, since she clearly is. You simply want me to place blame on her which I and the law refuse to do. I think you feel he isn't completely at fault since you say he is but then refocus on this being her fault too. I can't say that this is a fair approach since it seems your saying well... he is kind of to blame but, but, she, she etc. It's like saying I am sorry I lied but, you made me.

Cindi Nubie I don't know how much you have followed this situation but, Klemm is truly a monster. It is great that your daughter is so smart but on this issue the news about Klemm is clear. He "groomed" this student and is now pleading not guilty, to put it all very simply. This was very calculated and he did fool some of the brightest of the bright. At sixteen, though we are maturing, the ability to understand who to trust is something that simply requires more "life experience" and, knowing this, Klemm took full advantage of this fact and sadly, this girl payed the ultimate price. Luckily, he will face a long time in prison due to the choices he willingly made and, our children will be safer, since he will presumably be there for quite a while.

Well said, Cyndi. Vincent, thanks for the reply. I posted this many weeks ago and it just appeared day before yesterday. I understand where you're coming from and never disagreed that he broke the law. But I also believe these "laws" are skewed and have a lot of gray areas that need to be revisited! I'm pretty sure he was formally charged because this girls parents pursued the matter. If the law didn't exist, that of statutory tape, then I'm pretty sure we all would not be having this conversation. Sex with a minor, consensual, should at least be an option! While I can still resolve to this being illegal, it should not be given the same attention and "public hanging" as someone who is truly a monster! There are plenty in our society and as Cyndi said, he is definitely not oneoif them!! That and it still makes me angy that this young woman has not stepped up and spoken honestly about her "fault" in all if this and tell her parents to back off! While he was wrong under the "law" per say, he did not deserve to have his life destroyed in the manner it has!! I'm not sure how she can live with herself and she should be ashamed! She had an affair with a married man and she is WRONG as well!

Nubie, for Pete's sake, how hard is this for people to understand! No one is suggesting that the student/victim was under the influence of hypnosis, was mentally deficient or anything of a sort. She knew what she was doing in the literal sense, but the law states that that doesn't matter--she was under-aged and in this situation the onus to behave properly falls on the legal adult. Why is this so difficult to understand? Under-aged people are not able to give consent; if they were they would be considered adults and we wouldn't be having this discussion. Is it really too much to ask that adults limit their sexual relationships to other adults? No, of course not, and if they choose not to, then they have to be punished as the law permits.