Woman Charged with Having Sex with Student Appears in Court
The Gibson County High School teacher accused of having sex with a then 17-year old male student appeared in the Gibson County General Sessions court, Monday. “I think any case is winnable. It just depends on the facts and the jury you put in the box,” said Neil Thompson, attorney for Bethany Dyer, the former Gibson County High School teacher charged. Dyer is charged with statutory rape by an authority figure and aggravated statutory rape. The victim,19, was the only person to testify, Monday. Although Gibson County General Sessions Judge Mark Agee did not allow anyone in the court room during the victim’s testimony, comments made by the judge, prosecution and defense attorney before the judge’s decision revealed part of the victim’s testimony. “He said it was cool with him. It was a turn-on. It was a fantasy. How’s that using you position to do something they would not have otherwise have done,” said Judge Mark Agee, referring to the victim’s testimony. Although Judge Agee took issue with whether Dyer abused her position, he decided there was probable cause, sending her case including both charges to a grand jury, which will be heard Monday, November 7. If indicted, she could be arraigned as early as next Thursday, November 10. Gibson County school officials said Dyer resigned from her position from the Gibson County School District, May 10.
