Idaho Teacher Sentenced to Up to 60 Years for Grooming and Abusing Student
In a courtroom decision that sent shockwaves through an Idaho community, a middle school teacher, Cory Gaylor, has been sentenced to a potential 60 years behind bars. The charges? Grooming and sexually abusing a student within the classroom walls. Prosecutors made this announcement on Thursday.
Gaylor, aged 52, held the role of a Spanish, Introduction to World Cultures, and Advisory teacher at Kuna Middle School at the time of his arrest, which took place in December 2022.
He had previously entered a guilty plea in July to charges of lewd conduct with a minor child under the age of 16 and enticing a child via the internet, according to the Ada County Prosecutor’s office.
The prosecution argued that Gaylor not only groomed and sexually abused the victim while within the school premises but also used text messages to entice the victim in the weeks leading up to the illegal sexual encounters.
Deputy Prosecutor Katelyn Farley, speaking during the sentencing, emphasized the importance of schools as safe spaces for children. She stated, “Every day, parents send their kids off to school. A place that is supposed to be protected, a place where kids are supposed to get to be kids, a space that is safe for kids to learn and grow.”
She continued, “The defendant was a teacher and was supposed to be teaching (the victim). Instead, the defendant took this safe place and used it to select a victim. The fact that he used his position to engage in this conduct is reprehensible.”
It’s worth noting that Gaylor may be eligible for parole after serving 13 years, as stated by the prosecutor’s office.
The Kuna School District, situated approximately 20 miles west of Boise, did not provide any comments on the matter.
This case serves as a stark reminder of the need to ensure the safety and well-being of students within the school environment.