NJ Teacher Avoids Prison for Sex with Teen Student

Will still have to register as sex offender

NEWARK, N.J. (AP) — A former New Jersey county Teacher of the Year who admits having sex with a 15-year-old student from her honors English class has been spared prison time.

A judge in Newark on Monday sentenced 33-year-old Erica DePalo to lifetime parole supervision. DePalo also will have to forfeit her teaching certificate and register as a sex offender.

Prosecutors say the Montclair resident had a short sexual relationship with a boy at West Orange High School.