Sexual Assault, Blackmail Case Involves Teacher, Students

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Former Millard teacher turns herself in to authorities
Posted: 9:13 PM Jul 23, 2008
Last Updated: 1:33 PM Jul 24, 2008
Email Address: sixonline@wowt.com

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A former Millard North Middle School teacher faces charges of first-degree sexual assault on a child, accused of having a sexual relationship with a student six years ago. That student recently tried to blackmail her.

Deputy Sarpy County Attorney Laurie Burgess has seen a lot. "Never a dull moment here at the county attorney's office. I know we always have pretty interesting cases to work on."

Cases like the state of Nebraska vs. Stephanie Draper, now free on bond after turning herself in.

An eight-page affidavit lays out the state's case against the former Millard North Middle School teacher. "It's upsetting to just about everybody, it's not something we like to read about, but if there's a crime, we will charge it.”

The claim is that six years ago Draper, then 28, had four different sexual encounters at her Sarpy County home with a 14-year-old student.

The student, now 21, claims the first time the two had sex, Draper served him liquor, then had sex with him while Draper's husband was at work.

At the last encounter, the student claims Draper told him if he wouldn't have sex with her she would have sex with his friend, another minor who waited in a nearby room. The friend later walked in on the two and according to the affidavit, the friend witnessed Draper naked, trying to remove the other boy's clothing. That friend is now a prosecution witness.

If the affidavit is true, the student will be a target for Draper's defense team. In it, the student admits to recent e-mails demanding $5000 from the teacher for him to "not say anything."

The alleged victim in this case has retained an attorney. A member of the Millard School Board says it has received a letter from that attorney requesting $1 million to settle this case.

The affidavit includes allegations of a second underage minor that had a relationship with Draper.

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Posted by: Brandy on Jan 8, 2009 at 05:02 AM
Just reading this makes me wonder why a kid, who claims his teacher had sex with him, would wait years later and blackmail her for it? If he's this rotten now, he had to have been bad then. I wouldn't be surprised if he turned out to be the one to seduce her. He doesn't sound too much the innocent victim in my opinion. He doesn't even sound much like a victim at all. Black mail? Now that is stranger than fiction.

Posted by: Jim on Jul 28, 2008 at 12:06 AM
I am a parent of a former student of Ms. Draper. My son and I both thought she was passionate about teaching children. I had a few contacts with her. I regret that they were all telephonic. I never had the chance to meet her in person, but I could tell that she was a good teacher that cared. She called me when my child was having some problems with behavior. She was very understanding, and had many ideas on how to address the situation. ....To sumise...The only reason she is accused of any criminal charges is because of the acts of a criminal. Should we all feel lucky that a 21 yr old future inhabitant of the state pen wanted some money from a teacher? Perhaps she did something wrong, not for me to decide. I just know that every instinct I and my child (who I trust) was very positive. We should all wait to pass judgement on a good teacher, and give her what the constitution promises..A FAIR TRIAL.. My apologies for any gramatical errors in my attempt to defend a good teacher.

Posted by: abb on Jul 27, 2008 at 03:26 PM
i was a former student of this teacher, she was wonderful at her job and very compassionate...just because this happend and now this kid wants money doesn't make her a horrible person...he kept it a secret for so long why does he come forward now??? i think they should publish the kids name... if he wants to blackmail a teacher for something he eventually consented in, then he is just as wrong as she is!!!

Posted by: Jeff on Jul 25, 2008 at 05:05 PM
To DISGUSTED, the teacher has been accused of having sex with a 14yo boy. When you said it's a FACT, you eliminated the need for a trial, maybe even our whole legal system! How did you do it? Can you do it again? You could save us millions of dollars a year with your power.

Posted by: BJ on Jul 25, 2008 at 01:16 PM
They ALL deserved each other. All of them are sick!

Posted by: ME on Jul 25, 2008 at 12:11 PM
I want to know what is going to happen to the kid who tried to blackmail her is that a crime or what?? two wrongs dont make a right..

Posted by: The law on Jul 25, 2008 at 10:49 AM
This is ridiculous, not one shred of evidence has been given that the teacher did anything wrong, but the victim (?) has admitted to blackmail and intimidation which is illegal. It was also in the Blair Paper that the victim has a history of alcohol, and drugs. Looks to me that he's looking for an easy buck and thinks that someone is going to give him hush money. Fight it Ms. Draper and then take all the so-called victims and witnesses to civil court and take away anything they ever make in the future.

Posted by: Steve on Jul 25, 2008 at 09:25 AM
I think it's interesting that no one acknowledges the fact that she wanted him to keep quite by saying "no more threats, no more calls." I think says "guilty" in itself. Why else would you offer to give a diamond ring? Usually, diamond rings carry more intrinsic value than actual value, and giving up something like that is red flag of her conduct and behavior.

Posted by: Chris on Jul 25, 2008 at 09:01 AM
Everyone saying "Throw the book at her!" should wait until they hear all of the facts. Due to the criminal investigation, not all of the facts are shared with the public. Stop trying to convict someone before you know the whole story!! Jeeze.

Posted by: Mike on Jul 25, 2008 at 04:32 AM
I don't know either one of these people. I do know what facts are though... There is no physical evidence. There are no credible witnesses. The statute of limitations for this particular situation runs out when he's 22. He attempted to blackmail her before reporting her. When Mrs. Draper learned of the charges, she came forward to defend herself and didn't run. It all comes down to his word against her's.

Posted by: My ? on Jul 25, 2008 at 01:58 AM
What 28 year old would be remotely attracted to at 14 year old? 14 year old boys were disgusting when I was 14 & they still are...I find it interesting that all of this came to light because he wanted or needed some $$. He ruined her life even if she didn't do it...I hope he gets NO $$, but lots of hours w/ a shrink.

Posted by: Bones on Jul 25, 2008 at 01:51 AM
Put me on this jury and the boy doesn't get a dime. He hit the jackpot 6 years ago and wants to parlay that to cash.

Posted by: Former teacher on Jul 25, 2008 at 12:09 AM
Did she or didn't she? If she did- there is no excuse. I taught middle school for 14 years. Not once did I find a 14 year old boy attractive-- but in her defense I must say that I was witness to false accusations bestowed upon innocent teachers far too many times. I heard students plotting to get teachers fired, and I watched parents play into these schemes as their darlings came to school smug expressing their satisfaction that their parents contacted the principal or the school board. I also recall when I first started and yes I was young and attractive-- I had to listen to the sexual harassment daily from 14 yr old boys--- can I file a harassment suit? Should I be entitled to compensation from those parents? I don't know the story-- If she did it-- that is sick and wrong-- If she didn't, it is sick and wrong that she was accused--and NO! MPS is not responsible ; it is a wonderful school district.

Posted by: C on Jul 24, 2008 at 09:30 PM
interesting about the statute of limitations-wonder what it is and if it applies??

Posted by: Kelly on Jul 24, 2008 at 07:51 PM
I can't help but notice the startling lack of evidence. It's his word against hers. No DNA, no credible eye-witness, and someone who not only did not run upon learning of a warrant being sworn out for her, but turned herself in. When she is found not guilty, I hope she turns around and sues this little punk and his friend for defamation of character. All three deserve it.

Posted by: D on Jul 24, 2008 at 04:19 PM
Tim, love your comments. "Right On!" I couldn't have said it better myself. You can bet this 14 year old was on cloud nine...six years ago. (and probably bragging about it) Can you ever win too much money in the lottery? hmmmmm Probably Not. Same with his situation, no doubt he went back for more.

Posted by: CS on Jul 24, 2008 at 03:19 PM
Are we supposed to feel sorry for Ms. Draper now because she is being blackmailed? I think they're both a couple of whackos and need to get thrown in the pokey for a long time.

Posted by: Lee on Jul 24, 2008 at 03:18 PM
What is this "kid's" name? He is 21 now so lets hear it. The teachers name has been released. He is in no way a victim, but a greedy person trying to extort money for something that happened 7 years ago and that he most likely enjoyed. He didn't have to have sex with her. I'll admit there is a double standard with teacher/student sexual assult cases and Ms. Draper was in the wrong, but if she gets jailtime then he needs to be locked up for extortion/blackmail. And what is up with the $1mill settlement offer to MPS? Are you kidding me? They don't owe him a penny. The greed of this kid and his greedy lawyer are perfect examples of why so many people hate our legal system.

Posted by: Young Person on Jul 24, 2008 at 02:59 PM
As a young person...I think the teacher is wrong...but personally it sounds like the "Tramatized"(yeah right) 21 year old is hurting for cash and new he could get some by bribing...sounds the 21 year old is still acting like a 12 year old and needs to grow up.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 24, 2008 at 02:11 PM
I don't care what anybody says, a teenage boy with an older teacher is not victimized in the same way a female student is. This kid loved every minute of it and now he smells a way to make some money. Yeah she was wrong and should never teach again or be in a position of authority over kids, but he's just fishing for some money. "Oh a million dollars and I won't be traumatized anymore". Yeah right.

Posted by: Jay on Jul 24, 2008 at 02:03 PM
So let me get this straight, the county attorney says "...if there is a crime, we will charge it", and then proceeds to go after a teacher based on the statements of two young men? The same two young men who admit to drinking when they were 14 as well as admitting to blackmail? Sounds to me like more likely crimes are drinking while underage and extortion. I wonder what kind of evidence they come with to actually take this case to trial? If I were the teacher, I would have a counter-suit to make sure those poor excuses for human beings spend some time behind bars. What is wrong with the children of today that so many of them think they are entitled to ruin other peoples lives for a few dollars? I hope that neither the school or the teacher settle with these criminals and I hope the judge throws the book at the 'alleged victim' for trying to extort money from a teacher.

Posted by: kkl on Jul 24, 2008 at 01:35 PM
A member of the Millard School Board says it has received a letter from that attorney requesting $1 million to settle this case. This has extortion written all over it. He blames her for everything that has gone wrong for him. I am sure if I got a million dollars I would feel better.

Posted by: Stan on Jul 24, 2008 at 01:33 PM
The teacher started this. She probably has more skeletons in her closet if this was 6 years ago. This lady is a child preditor. A monster. She should be locked away.

Posted by: CJ on Jul 24, 2008 at 01:08 PM
You know I don't belive this. Mrs.Draper quit teaching in January of this year as a matter of fact it was the day after MLK day. I had five classes with her in the 07/08 year. I cant imagine her doing this. She was so nice and funny. She was nice enough to give me a ride home because I missed my bus (And I SWEAR nothing sexual happened, all she did was talk about her kids the way home). I know what she did was wrong but like most people said in these comments theres somthing fishy about this guy. I think hes telling the truth but he was obviosly a volinteer to all of this. I also belive that the only reason he came forwered was because he needed money and when Mrs.Draper wouldnt give it to him it ticked him off so he turned her in. I already forgive Mrs.Draper for what happened because I know she will never do that again I think she made a big mistake. Finally the reason I forgive her is because I can tell from our car ride to my house that she loves her kids way to much to do that. Cj

Posted by: real story on Jul 24, 2008 at 12:56 PM
I am not saying that what this former teacher allegedly did was ok, BUT this 21 year old boy sounds like a money-hungry piece of crap. One million dollars?? Are you kidding me? Did I get confused and start reading the script to an Austin Powers movie? It is people like this that make me embarressed to live in the U.S. We are the laughing stock of the world due to our excessive frivolous lawsuits. If this kid really had problems, that would be a different story. But, clearly, he is trying to make a few bucks.

Posted by: M on Jul 24, 2008 at 12:51 PM
Teachers, coaches, priests, friends . . . these are the people molesting our children. Very rarely is it a stranger. They grab your trust and exploit it. The laws that won't allow sexual offenders to live within a certain area of town are ridiculous. The majority of offenders are in our homes, our schools, our churches, our activities.

Posted by: Z on Jul 24, 2008 at 12:35 PM
Hmmmmmm..........sounds like this kid should be charged with Extortion. Anyone else agree?

Posted by: A on Jul 24, 2008 at 12:21 PM
I've known rape victims and sorry boy, but you are no victim. No rape victim would be so bold as to try and get money out of their attacker or any other for their situation. Most are more then willing to hide what happened due to fear or guilt,or to get the peace of mind that their attacker is in prison. And I have to say that a 14 yr old boy, who is naturally "rarin to go" to put it lightly is hardly so forced as a young woman who is truly attacked would be. There is a reason that most rape victims bear defense marks on their body, because they resist. And if they were drugged etc they have to deal with serious emotional issues. The ones who whine for pity then years down the road try to get money for their little night of fun are no more victims then the person who had been crazy enough to have fallen for them. Wonder how many more times and with how many more women that boy had been "raped?"

Posted by: Beth on Jul 24, 2008 at 12:13 PM
How can they possibly prove this? Maybe she did it, maybe she didn't, but it's way too far in the past to go back and charge her for it now. And this kid is obviously a real star, since he's resorting to blackmailing his teacher to get money, and now asking the MPS to give him $1 million. And the other student who is also making accusations just wants to get in the money. I hope this teacher has a fair trial.

Posted by: Terri on Jul 24, 2008 at 11:57 AM
One million dollars! What the heck this is not Millard's fault.And why did he wait so long to come forward? Something is not adding up - sounds like a 21 year old loser trying to make a buck cause he watches too much TV. I know many 14 year old boys who had crushes on teachers when I was in High School - I bet he hit on her - where is the evidence? And this so called friend was in the other room? Whatever they are in it together to try and get a free ride. Justice will prevail.

Posted by: Justice on Jul 24, 2008 at 11:35 AM
It's not like she ran away with him to Mexico. How can either side their story? She is innocent until proven guilty. Please people give this lady a chance. You may be sending a innocent lady to jail.

Posted by: Sounds Fishy on Jul 24, 2008 at 11:32 AM
I have a hard time believing that this young man is innocent in all of this. At 14 he knew right from wrong and should of reported the abuse then. But to wait until he is 21 and not release his name and try blackmailing her and the school district just doesn't sound right. My grandchild at 10 would be screaming if something like that happened to her. Bottom line is Ms Draper has already been tried and convicted by the public and if this turns out to be false her life is in ruins.

Posted by: troy on Jul 24, 2008 at 11:17 AM
why is it when a 14yo boy kills someone he is treated as an adult to be punished, but when he has sex, he is not?? Answer that.

Posted by: Dennis on Jul 24, 2008 at 11:09 AM
How do you screen for someone who hasn't committed a crime? I think this is all about OPS in the long run and little to do with the teacher its all about the money something OPS couldn't have prevented if they tried. But some ambulance chasing attorneys will do anything for money.

Posted by: KMS on Jul 24, 2008 at 10:51 AM
dont judge this teach. hes totally blackmailing her. wtf. are you serious. if i honestly wanted to and was as slezy as this dude i would tell my friend will you pretend all this happened so i can get some free money and then ill give you some for helping me. they wont show is picture becasue it happened when he was underage. id like to go and kick the crap out of this kid. and where are his parents? why the hell arent they in this with him. they should have known about it and i did not read in that artical anything about his parents. COPERS GO GET HIM FOR EXTORTION!!!! turn the tables on this punk.

Posted by: mike on Jul 24, 2008 at 10:36 AM
Seriously? Because the guy asked for money (which is obviously against the law) you're giving the teacher a pass? You're assuming the kid was "asking for it"? OK...let's say it was a 28 year old guy and a 14 year old girl...what assumptions would be made then? What if it was a 28 year old guy and the same 14 year old boy? I think the response would be "throw him in jail and give the boy the $1 million!" I agree that the story sounds fishy, but its innocent until proven guilty on both sides of the law. Let's see if the facts pan out before we declare the teacher innocent and the male the criminal. If the tables were turned I don't think you'd be so forgiving.

Posted by: Tim on Jul 24, 2008 at 10:22 AM
Why isn't the accuser's name published now that he's 21?? There is your injustice. This women already gets convicted in the public before a trial just on accusations. C'mon now, as a former 14 yr old boy myself this in no way traumatizes you, quite the opposite in fact. I do like when people say: "If this was a male teacher....." well it wasn't, so stop saying that. And yes there are double standards when it comes to women and men having sex with students. As we can all see a female & male's body works differently. To me, it's like complaining that the lottery money you just won was too much.

Posted by: jj on Jul 24, 2008 at 10:16 AM
ARE WE SO SHORT ON TEATCHERS,THAT WE HAVE TO HIRE THE BOTTOM OF THE BARRELL? WHY NOT PAY THEM RIGHT,AND BECOME MORE SELECTIVE? AFTER ALL WE PAY ENOUGH TAXES,AND THE POLICE IS WELL PAID. WHY NOT RAISE THE TEACHERS SALARY,AND START GETTING SOME GOOD ONES TO REPLACE THE TRASH THAT WE HAVE HAD.

Posted by: Biff on Jul 24, 2008 at 10:10 AM
If the teacher is guilty, she should definitely receive the same punishment as a male teacher. I hope the former student gets punished for blackmail as well. Do parents not talk to their students about what are, and are not, appropriate interactions with teachers? This is not "blaming the victim". Are schools doing a sufficient job screening their teachers? There have been too many of these situations, and I think both sides need to step up their efforts.

Posted by: RM on Jul 24, 2008 at 10:02 AM
There are some boys and girls who at 14 are already having sex look at teen pregnancy rates. Unless he was a complete mommas boy I doubt he was really traumatized because of this sexual experience. Should be charged with extortion. Yes she should be charged with something.

Posted by: T on Jul 24, 2008 at 09:53 AM
Trust me, there is nothing more that I can't stand is child predator; but something about this kid is fishy.

Posted by: Rover on Jul 24, 2008 at 08:58 AM
So why does the school get burnt on this.. It happened on private propery.. This kit would have been 15yrs, he know what was going on.. Must have met a nasty lawyer!!!

Posted by: DISGUSTED on Jul 24, 2008 at 08:58 AM
Everyone keeps talking about him blackmailing her yeah, it's wrong I agree he should be punished. But come on what about the molester teacher she is sick in the head. Maybe it was a made up story about the other boy waiting in the room. But the fact that she molested and had sex with a 14 yrs old boy and she was 28 that is beyond disguting. Forget the blackmailing and concentrate on locking this sick woman up.

Posted by: Joe on Jul 24, 2008 at 08:47 AM
All 14 year old boys think about is sex. So this one got some, and he was happy for all these years till he ran out of money, ok lets see if I can black mail a teacher. SO which is worse, her deflowering of him? Or him trying to blackmail her all these years later. Yes What she did was illegal, but so is Speeding in your car. If the victim was a girl, yes it would be different. Maybe it should not be, but it is a double standard. Deal with it. And if they are actually going to prosecute her, lets prosecute the victim also for blackmail.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 24, 2008 at 07:58 AM
Isn't it obvious, this boy is scum, and he is just trying to get some quick cash. If this is all true, you know he was a willing participant,and not the way he said it was. This is still wrong on her behalf, but come on... This should have come out 6 years ago...not now. This boy needs some help and he should have charges filed against him for extortion.

Posted by: Dennis on Jul 24, 2008 at 07:55 AM
If James Martin Davis can't win this case for the teacher he should give up law. I see way to many holes for this to stand up in court.

Posted by: Mike on Jul 24, 2008 at 01:47 AM
What ever happened to "innocent until proven guilty"? With so many people trying to get ahead the easy way by cheating and being devious, why are people so quick to condemn the accused here? The "alleged" victim admits to having tried to get money out of her which tells me he's no saint. This could all be a plot he and his friend came up with. People should know ALL the facts before shouting for our legal system to throw the book at her.

Posted by: Anonymous on Jul 24, 2008 at 01:17 AM
Ryun, no man's mind, of any age, is on the big picture when having sex. Anyway, I see you've convicted her in your own mind. What piece of evidence pushed your opinion into the guilt column?

Posted by: Mel on Jul 24, 2008 at 12:10 AM
Hope she kept those emails. Blackmail is illegal too and he should be punished as an adult for that. What is it with these women who are doing this? Has this always been a problem and as a society we are just starting to address it? The shame of it is this...there are soooo many good male and female teachers who now will have to pay a small price for this perv's actions. Little by little the trust parents gave away is getting shaved off. What a shame.

Posted by: Jeff on Jul 23, 2008 at 11:57 PM
So the 21 year old "child" is definitely up for blackmail. The case against the teacher just doesn't read right. At the fourth encounter, the kid forms a conscience and says no to the adolescent's dream. Coincidentally, the teacher just happens to have another student waiting in another room, just in case he backs out. Sounds more like a made up situation for the prosecution to create a witness, because six years later, he lost his conscience. And what a jump in the lawsuit money! I guess the lesson for us all is lawsuits are much more profitable than blackmail! But the blackmail was a good lead in to the lawsuit. If the accusations aren't true, of course she won't pay the blackmail, and then you can go for the million!

Posted by: R on Jul 23, 2008 at 11:49 PM
Watch closely, the sentence for this crime. If this was a male teacher...watch out!!! It Just seems that the same crime commited by a female does not warrent the same punishment!

Posted by: The Truth on Jul 23, 2008 at 11:29 PM
Im sorry folks, yes the teacher was wrong and should face the consequences, but this LOSER MALE is no victim! This idiot did NOT suffer AND now he tried to blackmail her??? He should be punished as well. WHERE'S THE JUSTICE???

Posted by: Teacher was wrong but... on Jul 23, 2008 at 11:19 PM
...I hope this PUNK and his sleazy lawyer dont get a single cent. And it is OUTRAGEOUS thats that this "sorry excuse of a male" cant be prosecuted for extortion. I hope they publish his name....there WILL be a backlash!

Posted by: Ryun on Jul 23, 2008 at 10:50 PM
What a shame. A 14 year old boy is not mentally equipped to see the big picture when this type of behavior is occurring. Shame on her for doing this to a boy! Teachers work hard for our children and we can't allow this incident to blur the positive interactions our kids have had, and continue to have, with the quality teachers currently in our school systems. Let's tend to this scar on our community, let it heal, and move on in positive direction to support our outstanding education systems we have in place here in the Heartland. If there is a lesson from this for those of us with kids in schools, it is to establish relationships with those that work with our kids, work with our schools to make our communities stronger, and truly create an educational partnership for the benefit of our kids.

Posted by: TTTTTTTTTTT on Jul 23, 2008 at 09:56 PM
This teacher should have known better than to do this stuff with students, but come on now. This child who is now 21 obviously wasnt very tramatized by it if he has the "you know whats" to demand money from this woman to keep his mouth shut. Shame on both of them for their sick actions.

Posted by: David on Jul 23, 2008 at 09:53 PM
America. Gotta love it. One million dollars to settle a fourteen y/o being deflowered six years ago. It's days like this that make me think the wrong people get shipped off to war. Blackmailing, now THAT'S American!

Posted by: J on Jul 23, 2008 at 09:39 PM
Hmmm... let's not make any snap judgements, here. This young man waits seven years, then tries to extort money from this woman? Very possibly a scam; how could she possibly prove innocence? How can the prosecution possibly prove guilt? Of course, if it were a male teacher, the lynch mob would already be at his door. It will be interesting to see how this plays out.

Posted by: t on Jul 23, 2008 at 09:29 PM
Although this is very wrong, I thought the statute of limitations in Nebraska is 5 years. I hope this teacher is not still teaching, and what about the student trying to blackmail her? I still think there better be a more intensive background and mental check on teachers, so things like this don't have to happen, if there is any question as to the behavior of a teacher, get them away from the children, what the heck is wrong with these teachers today, immoral, immoral, immoral.

Posted by: a on Jul 23, 2008 at 09:26 PM
My daughter was a student of Mrs. Draper and I am just disgusted with the actions of this teacher. Throw the book at her!!!!