AVON LAKE, Ohio — A Lorain County karate instructor has been indicted on charges related to an alleged sexual relationship she had with one of her former students.
Thirty-one-year-old Erin Stephens, owner of Avon Lake ATA Karate for Kids, is accused of having "consensual" sex with the student and part-time worker during a period when he was between 16 and 17 years old. Although the boy was of Ohio's age of consent when the relationship began, state law would still make this illegal since Stephens was in the position of being his coach or teacher, or a "person with disciplinary control over a minor."
Stephens' accuser, who is now 19, approached Avon Lake police back in March with the years-old claims of the relationship. On July 6, a Lorain County grand jury returned three charges of sexual battery against Stephens, and she was arrested this past Thursday.
According to police, Stephens was released from the Lorain County Jail after posting bond. Should she be convicted, she could face up to 15 years in prison.
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