Former teacher sentenced for sex with student in St. Paul

Caitlin Thao, a 25-year-old former substitute teacher, was sentenced after pleading guilty to fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct involving a 17-year-old student at a St. Paul charter school. The investigation began in February following complaints about her inappropriate behavior towards students. The victim, who was enrolled in an English language learner class taught by Thao, reported that they had engaged in sexual activity in a middle school classroom. Thao later invited him to her home for further sexual encounters, which he declined. The case came to light when Thao's husband discovered the situation and informed the victim's mother. Following this, Thao admitted to the sexual encounter during a conversation with a social worker at Regions Hospital. As part of her sentencing, Thao received 10 years of supervised release and was mandated to complete 160 hours of community service. Additionally, she is prohibited from having unsupervised contact with minors or vulnerable adults. This case highlights the serious implications of inappropriate relationships between educators and students, emphasizing the need for strict boundaries in educational settings. The legal consequences faced by Thao serve as a warning to others in similar positions. The community's response to the incident reflects a growing awareness of the importance of safeguarding students from potential abuse. Support resources for victims of sexual assault are available in Minnesota, indicating a commitment to addressing such issues and providing assistance to those affected. The case underscores the critical need for vigilance and proactive measures to prevent similar incidents in the future.