A former Trigg County High School teacher who entered an Alford plea in November to an amended charge of second-degree unlawful transaction with a minor appeared in Christian County Circuit Court for formal sentencing Wednesday morning.
Ashley Wells was initially charged with first-degree sexual abuse in connection with sexual contact between a teacher and a student. At a November 17th hearing in Christian Circuit Court, Judge John Atkins accepted Wells’ Alford plea hearing to the amended charge of second-degree unlawful transaction with a minor, a Class D felony. At that time, Commonwealth’s Attorney Rick Boling recommended a one-year sentence to be diverted under the felony pretrial diversion program for a period of three years. As part of that agreement, Wells would not have to serve any time in jail as long as she doesn’t commit any crimes, nor would she be required to register as a sex offender.
During sentencing, Wednesday morning, Wells and her attorney, Olivia Adams and Commonwealth’s Attorney Rick Boling appeared before Judge Atkins, who stated this “was very troubling to him having reviewed the pre-sentence investigation report” which he noted was his first opportunity to be familiar with the circumstances.”
Judge Atkins then questioned Boling if the family of the student involved had agreed to this disposition, with Boling responding that the family has been talked to and the Commonwealth believes this is an appropriate resolution.
click to download audioBoling further explained he doesn’t believe this case rises to a sexual assault that would be subject to the sex offender registry or things of that nature.
click to download audioWhen asked again by Judge Atkins what the family had to say about this agreement, Boling explained the victim didn’t have any objections.
click to download audioAdams also informed the judge that this resolution was “thoughtfully planned out.”
click to download audioJudge Atkins then agreed with the recommended diversion with her charges to be expunged in the future if there is no further misconduct by Wells.
click to download audioWells was indicted by a Christian County grand jury in April of 2022 on one count of first-degree sexual abuse after a Kentucky State Police investigation that began in January of that year into allegations of sexual misconduct between a teacher and a student. State Police said the investigation revealed that Wells had sexual contact with a 17-year-old student in 2016 in Christian County.
