By Lisa Harding
A Payson junior high school teacher has been accused of unlawful sexual activity with her 16-year-old proctor son.
According to the affidavit, the woman's husband, Richard Gonzales, returned home early from work to find his wife and the boy downstairs with candles and oils. When Gonzales stormed into the room, he witnessed his wife dressing herself and the boy running out of the room pulling his pants up.
The husband and wife argued about the incident, and according to the affidavit, Richard Gonzales retrieved a 9 mm handgun and waved it at the boy, telling him to get out of the house. He also allegedly pointed it at his wife and threatened to kill her. Gonzales admitted to the allegations during a police interview.
The 16-year-old told police that he gave Jennifer Gonzales a massage, but they did not have sexual intercourse.
Children are temporarily assigned to proctor parents when they are facing attitude or behavioral difficulties. Payson police report they have notified the state of the boy's situation and steps will be taken to place him in state custody.
According to information reported by various media, Jennifer Gonzales will be on leave of absence from Mt. Nebo Junior High until the investigation is complete. She has been working at the school since 2005, specializing in work with troubled sixth- and seventh-graders. None of Gonzales's students have been linked to any inappropriate sexual misconduct.
Gonzales was booked into Utah County Jail on Sunday night on charges of unlawful sexual activity with a minor and sexual relations with a youth.
Richard Gonzales was arrested on domestic violence charges, including two counts of aggravated assault and criminal mischief.
Jennifer Gonzales was released on $10,000 bail. Richard Gonzales remains in jail on $20,000 bail as of Wednesday afternoon.
Both appeared before Judge Lynn Davis in Provo's 4th District Court on Tuesday morning for bail hearings.
Jennifer Gonzales's attorney, Mike Esplin, said she is beginning the process of filing for a divorce.
Copyright Brigham Young University 2 Apr 2008
