Teacher Pleads Guilty to Sexual Abusing Student After Husband Finds Evidence. Now Their Marriage Is Ending
Mackenzie Naught, 25, pleaded guilty to sexually abusing a 16-year-old high school student and faces up to 12 months in prison
:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc():focal(684x307:686x309):format(webp)/Mackenzie-Naught-051926-43b327cb650a4c598a6b45612f6b0579.jpg)
Mackenzie Naught.Credit :
KREM 2 News/YouTube
A former first-grade teacher in Washington State has admitted to sexually abusing a high school student.
Mackenzie Naught, 25, of St. John, pleaded guilty to sexual misconduct involving a minor and will remain in the Whitman County Jail until her sentencing on Aug. 28, according to a press release shared by the Whitman County Prosecuting Attorney’s Office on Friday, July 10.
Naught’s arrest came in May after her husband called police to report her for sexually abusing the 16-year-old high school student, according to a copy of the probable cause affidavit previously obtained by PEOPLE.
The husband told investigators he found texts between his wife and the boy after checking her phone amid ongoing marital issues.
According to the affidavit, Naught’s husband confronted the teenager, who admitted to his actions, and Mackenzie also acknowledged it when questioned.
According to the affidavit, the teen, identified as “J.D.,” told investigators he picked up Naught in his truck and drove with her to a remote location after messaging on Snapchat. There, they kissed and Naught initiated sexual activity, but J.D. said he stopped because he was uncomfortable and then drove her home.
Authorities said they corroborated the victim’s account with a tracking device, which confirmed his statements about that night.
Mackenzie initially told police that she and the teen had just kissed, but then changed her story and said they “had sex,” per the affidavit.
According to court records viewed by The Spokesman-Review, Naught’s husband filed for divorce in June, shortly after her arrest.
Prosecutors said Naught faces a prison sentence of six to 12 months and will be required to register as a sex offender for 10 years. The court has also issued a five-year sexual assault protection order for the victim.
“The defendant’s guilty plea represents an important step in holding her accountable for her actions and spares John Doe the burden of having to testify at trial,” Senior Deputy Prosecutor Tessa Scholl said.
“Our office remains committed to supporting John Doe and his family throughout the remainder of the judicial process.”
If you or someone you know has been a victim of sexual abuse, text “STRENGTH” to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 to be connected to a certified crisis counselor.
If you or someone you know has been sexually assaulted, please contact the National Sexual Assault Hotline at 1-800-656-HOPE (4673) or go to rainn.org.Teacher Faces Divorce After Sexual Abuse Guilty Plea