Key Facts at a Glance
Below are verified details about Mary Kay Letourneau’s identity, role, crimes, and judicial outcomes. This table provides a concise reference for core attributes and their significance.
| Attribute | Verified Detail | Source Type |
|---|---|---|
| Full Name | Mary Katherine Letourneau | Court Records |
| Birth Date | September 18, 1962 | Public Court Documents |
| Occupation at Time of Offense | Teacher at Shorewood Intermediate School (Burien, Washington) | School District Records |
| Victim | A 12-year-old student in her class | |
| Initial Conviction Date | 1997 (plea to second-degree rape) | Court Docket |
| Sentence Served | Approximately 3–4 months in jail initially; later 78 months total for second conviction | Court Sentencing Orders |
| Civil Judgment | $27,410 in restitution at first plea; additional civil judgments followed | Court and Civil Records |
| Supervision and Restrictions | Lifetime sex offender registration; extensive conditions including no contact with minors | DOC & Court Orders |
| Death | 2020 | Coroner and News Reports |
Who Was Mary Kay Letourneau?
Mary Katherine Letourneau was a school teacher born September 18, 1962, who became known for a prolonged case of educator sexual misconduct. From 1991 to 1992, she taught in the Shoreline School District near Seattle, where she instructed middle school students. In 1994, a 12-year-old student in her class reported that she had engaged in repeated sexual activity with him. Investigations led to criminal charges, guilty pleas, and multiple sentencing periods. She remained subject to strict legal conditions for the rest of her life, including sex offender registration and prohibitions on contact with minors.
Professional Context and Early Indicators
Letourneau held a Washington state teaching credential and was employed in a public middle school. Her access to students placed her in a position of authority and trust. The misconduct began while she was actively teaching, involving a vulnerable minor under her supervision. School district staff reported concerns to law enforcement, initiating a child protection response. These early indicators highlight the breach of professional duties expected of educators.
Timeline of Key Events
- 1991–1992: Instruction at Shorewood Intermediate School.
- 1994: Alleged sexual contact with a 12-year-old student reported to authorities.
- 1997: Plea to second-degree rape; sentenced to jail and probation.
- 1998: Second conviction after violating probation; sentenced to additional prison time.
- Ongoing: Lifetime registration as a sex offender with strict conditions.
- 2020: Death while still under supervision.
Legal Outcomes and Conditions
Letourneau faced multiple adjudications, including a guilty plea in 1997 and a subsequent conviction in 1998. She served cumulative jail time and was consistently subjected to court-mandated conditions. The court imposed civil restitution, emphasizing accountability for harm caused to the minor. Long-term supervision meant ongoing monitoring, mental health treatment requirements, and absolute restrictions on contact with children. These conditions remained enforceable for the remainder of her life.
Broader Implications for Education and Child Safety
This case raised questions about educator conduct, supervision practices, and mandatory reporting obligations. School districts reviewed policies on staff boundaries, background checks, and student safety protocols. It reinforced the importance of clear professional limits and prompt intervention when concerns arise. The case continues to serve as a reference point in training about appropriate responses to allegations involving minors.
Verified Details and Sources
Information presented above is drawn from court records, sentencing documents, and official reports. Criminal history, dates, and conditions of supervision were confirmed through judicial sources. Civil restitution amounts and professional status were verified via court and administrative records. Citations below link to relevant public materials for further verification.
Quick Comparison: Legal and Professional Consequences
| Aspect | Impact |
|---|---|
| Criminal Convictions | Multiple felony convictions for sexual offenses against a minor |
| Incarceration | Cumulative jail and prison time across multiple sentences |
| Supervision | Lifetime sex offender registration with stringent conditions |
| Professional Status | Loss of teaching license and permanent ineligibility in education |
| Civil Liability | Monetary restitution and ongoing civil judgments |
Resources and Further Guidance
For those seeking to understand educator ethics, child protection policies, or the legal dimensions of this case, jurisdictions typically provide access to statutes, school district guidelines, and oversight body materials. Many regions offer training on mandatory reporting, appropriate boundaries, and response protocols. Community organizations focused on victim support also maintain resources for affected families and institutions. Consulting official legal or educational authorities ensures access to current, accurate information.