McKenna Kindred sexually abused a 17-year-old student, authorities said. (Screenshot: KHQ)
A Washington state teacher had a so-called relationship with a 17-year-old boy until the victim’s classmates found out he was writing her on Instagram, authorities said in a report from The Spokesman-Review.
McKenna Kindred, 25, resigned from Central Valley High School and pleaded guilty on Thursday to amended charges of second-degree sexual misconduct with a minor and communication with a minor for immoral purposes. These are gross misdemeanors under Washington law.
It was agreed that she would receive no time behind bars. Instead, Spokane County Superior Court Judge Dean Chuang sentenced her to two years of probation and $700 in fines and fees. Kindred must register as a sex offender for 10 years.
Authorities said the abuse came to light when the boy’s classmates discovered him inappropriately writing Kindred on Instagram, and that he was defensive when they asked him about it.
The boy’s mother told investigators that her son had a sexual relationship with Kindred, had been alone with the woman in the house, and they had been sharing explicit photos over Instagram.
Detectives said they did not find pictures “that appeared overtly sexual in nature,” but there were messages mentioning masturbation.
The boy admitted to authorities he started messaging her in June 2022, and they had relations in her home. He acknowledged sending explicit pictures and videos with her, according to the Spokesman-Review report. The teacher’s husband had reportedly been away at the time.
On Thursday, the boy’s mother told the court that Kindred engaged in “predatory actions” and “abuse of power.” This upended her son’s life, who played soccer since he was 18 months old but could not finish high school on campus.
“A light he used to carry has been dimmed,” she said.
The mother reportedly agreed to the plea deal so that the case would not drag out.
Speaking on Thursday, Kindred voiced an apology, saying she was “deeply ashamed.”
“I know this past year has been incredibly difficult for all involved,” she said, according to Spokane NBC affiliate KHQ. “As a result of my actions, I’ve lost my career, valuable friendships, freedoms and have let down countless people who placed their trust in me. My mental health has also significantly been affected by this event. I am deeply ashamed of the pain I have caused.”