A former Washington high school teacher must register as a sex offender for the next decade after pleading guilty to first-degree sexual misconduct and inappropriate communication with a minor.
McKenna Kindred, 25, had sex with a 17-year-old student at the school where she worked while her husband was away.
The Central Valley High School teacher was spared jail, with Spokane Superior Court Judge Dean Chuang sentencing her to 24 months’ probation and $700 in fines and fees.
Although the age of consent in Washington state is 16, adults up to 18 can be charged if they have sex with children in their care.
In court, Kindred openly wept as she apologized to the victim, Elijahh Beckley, and his family for her crimes. She said she was “deeply ashamed.”
McKenna Kindred, 25, pleaded guilty in court to having sex with a 17-year-old student
Kindred, 25, had been out on bail since her first arrest in December 2022
The student, Elijah Beckley, came to her house and had sex while her husband was away
“I am truly sorry for my actions,” Kindred said. “I know the past year has been extremely stressful for everyone involved.
“As a result of my actions, I have lost my career, valuable friendships and freedoms, and I have let down countless people who placed their trust in me.
‘My mental health has also been seriously affected by this event. I am deeply ashamed of the pain I have caused.’
Family members of the victim were able to wipe away tears during the hearing.
Court documents describe how Beckley came to her home and had sex while Kindred’s husband was out of town.
The teen’s classmates came forward to tell school officials how he inappropriately messaged Kindred via Instagram and became defensive when questioned about the relationship.
Beckley’s mother, Ashley, made an impact statement in court detailing how her son’s life had been irreparably damaged by what happened
Judge Dean Chuang sentenced her to 24 months probation and $700 in fines and fees
Kindred also reported to the administration how she was harassed by someone on social media, accusing her of a sexual relationship with a student that she denied.
Detectives never found any photos “that appeared to be overtly sexual in nature,” but there were messages that referenced masturbation.
Beckley, who was interviewed by police at his home, admitted that he started sending messages to Kindred in June 2022. He also admitted to police that he went to Kindred’s house where they had sex.
He also admitted to sharing explicit photos and videos with Kindred, according to court documents.
Kindred had been out on bail since her initial arrest in December 2022. She was immediately placed on administrative leave.
Central Valley High School teacher was spared jail with 24 months probation and fined $700
Former Central Valley High School teacher McKenna Kindred is seen in photos from her father’s Facebook page
The blonde former teacher who resigned last year openly wept as she read a statement in court on Thursday.
“I know the past year has been incredibly difficult for everyone involved. As a result of my actions, I have lost my career, valuable friendships and freedoms, and I have let down countless people who placed their trust in me.
Beckley’s mother, Ashley, made an impact statement in court, detailing how her son’s life had been irreparably damaged by what had happened. She explained how the two had shared explicit photos via Instagram.
She said Kindred’s actions were an “abuse of power” and that she began “grooming” him when he was 16.
“A light he always had with him has dimmed,” she said.
“I barely slept for several weeks for fear of the physical retaliation (my son) might also be a victim because McKenna involved him in her adult marital affairs.”
