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- [00:00]
A
My name is Kate Lukasavic and I was 16 years old and in a relationship with my high school softball coach. So to kind of start, I am from a town in the Akron Canton area. It's called Cuyahoga Falls. Childhood wise, I am an only child. So that comes with its own.
- [00:27]
Interesting things. You know, it's. It's just you dealing with your life and your parents and your family, whatever. I had a pretty normal childhood. I mean my parents are both middle class, they worked factory jobs. My mom typically worked like second shift my whole life. So she worked from like 2pm to like 11 at night. And then my dad worked like a 12 hour schedule. So he worked from 6am to 6pm like half the week. So my mom was gone a lot of the times working when I was growing up. So it was mainly my dad that took care of me and then my grandma. Obviously my mom was still around, they were still married my whole life. Like I saw her on the weekends and like before I went to school, but it was mainly my dad and you know, my parents both did obviously. Like I have done very well for myself. Like I'm a lawyer now, my own house, I have my own life. Like they did a good job raising me, but with, I'd say any person or child there, there's always some difficulties growing up. So you know, my dad, I think he did the best that he could. He was kind a little bit harder on me, especially with athletics and stuff. I did play soccer and then obviously softball my whole life. So he was very hard on me and kind of made those what should be fun experiences as a kid, kind of very stressful and intense. And he did the same thing with school as well. However, that kind of control and intensity and like it was basically just like very like over my shoulder, like up in my business. Like if I like, for example, like if I had a softball game where I like struck out, like he would go over and over like what I did wrong, like stuff like that. So he was like, that was sports my whole life until I stopped playing after high school. And then he was like that with school up until a certain point. But then I have been, I've been smart my whole life. So I kind of like just took it, took that on my own. So he didn't really need to like worry about that. So everything was good and like normal. Besides that, up until about like late elementary school, early middle school, this is when my mom started to talk about like men she had met at work. Like she and she would talk to and like, you know, I'm like a kid. So like, I kind of. Like she's like bringing them up. I'm like thinking they're friends, like, obviously because she's married, like, whatever. So she's like talking to me about these guys. Like, I remember like one would like make her mixtapes and stuff. And I'm like, oh, that's not like, whatever. And then she started to really talk about this guy. And I noticed like, like texting and whatever, this guy that.
- [03:42]
She met at work. And then she also like included details that they like, went grocery shopping together, like when my dad was working, like, and I was at school, like, stuff like that.
- [03:53]
B
And so surprising that she would tell you that too. Cuz, you know, like with kids you never know what they're going to say.
- [04:00]
A
Right. And so I'll kind of. Okay, I'll. I'll kind of get more into that. But and I also, to preface this too, we could take this out. Like, I have. Obviously my parents are still around and like, they're still in my life, but like, I've ultimately decided that like, this is my story. So the faults that they've made as parents that like, in my opinion, like, contributed to this happening, I'm not gonna have them save face to not be able to tell my whole story.
- [04:29]
B
Absolutely.
- [04:30]
A
So, yeah, and I tell people all.
- [04:31]
B
The time, you know, you have the full right to tell your story.
- [04:35]
A
Right.
- [04:35]
B
And it's. You're not. I don't think anybody comes on here to bash anyone. You know what I mean? Whether it's their family, friends involved, whoever it may be. It's more so, you know, and when you're in. When you live here and you're a human, right. There's other people involved in your life.
- [04:49]
A
Right.
- [04:50]
B
And if they're close to you, then they're gonna be within your story. And it's not to be like, oh.
- [04:56]
A
It'S all your fault. Right.
- [04:57]
B
Like, you are a factor.
- [04:59]
A
Yeah. Like whether it. Clearly it wasn't intentional or anything they did. But it's at the end, end of the day, this is my story now. And I like, have. I like hid this whole thing for like so many years of my life. And I'm just at the point now where, like, I'm gonna talk about it, I'm not gonna hide it, I'm not gonna protect people. That. So absolutely. Anyways, so my mom's telling me about this, the strange relationship she has with this guy, whatever. I kind of just brush it off, you know, I'm A kid, I'm doing my own thing. And so then there's one day I get. I don't know if I was doing something with my friend or if I just got home from school or what, but I know that my dad got off and got home from work around 6:30pm and so I'm home and I see this like, car outside of our house. And I'm like, that's weird. And I was always taught, like, not to open the door for anybody. Like if a telemarketer knocks on the door, like literally hide behind. Like, I had always done that. So I'm like, I'm certainly not opening the door. And this lady comes out and is like knocking on her door and like knocking on both doors and like, not going away. And I'm like, okay, this is really weird. And like, take, take, take it into consideration. I mean, I'm. I think this all happened like seventh grade going into eighth grade. So I'm what, like 13, 14 years old. And so eventually she literally waits outside for like hours, like for my dad to get home. And so I like, am waiting, obviously, like, what the hell's going on? And my dad gets out of the car and he goes over and like talks to her for a while and whatever. And then she leaves and he comes in and you know, he doesn't really say anything like, whatever. I'm like, still, like, okay, whatever. And then later.
- [07:14]
I'm not sure, like, how soon later I remember we like get home from one of my softball games. The A championship we won. Like, it was a good day and my dad was a coach on that team. And we get home, it's like nine, ten o' clock at night, and he's like.
- [07:33]
What'S going on with your mom? And like this guy, like his wife, like came to our house and like said that they're in this like, relationship and yada, yada, yada, and whatever. And so he like, he really puts me on the spot because I'm like, like. And so then I, like, tell him the truth. Like, I'm like, yeah, like I have heard about this guy, whatever. So he's obviously upset. And then my mom comes home from work at like 11 o' clock and they get into this big fight and she packs up her and leaves. And so then the next day, I mean, and she comes back like thinking that I'm gonna go like with her and. Cause she just like went to stay at her mom's house. And I'm like, no, you know, this is my home. Like, I I'm not, I can't, I'm not just going to uproot. Whatever. So they're in this weird limbo with their marriage for like three months. Like, my dad's wanting to work things out. She's like, not really interested. I don't know, she's still seeing this guy this time, whatever. And then they're both like talking about each other, like, to me. So like, I, like, I just, like, I know too much about them and their marriage, like, already.
- [08:52]
B
Like, it puts you in such a weird position. You're like a middleman.
- [08:54]
A
Right.
- [08:54]
B
Which isn't fair.
- [08:55]
A
Right. And I mean, it's, it's been like that probably my entire life. Like, I've, I've been the middleman between the both of them. And it, until very recently, like, I thought that that's like how it was supposed to be. I thought that you knew, right? So eventually in the, I think she moved out for like three months. And in that time, I remember it was.
- [09:24]
Like fall time, it was October, November, and I was home alone, obviously, because she had moved out. And my dad was like out working in the garage on like a snowblower or a leaf blower or something. And something happened where he like, fell into the blade and it like fucked his hand up, like, so he ended up having to lose a finger, whatever. And so I'm the only one home. So he's like yelling, calling for help.
- [09:54]
You know, I come out there, there's blood everywhere. I have to have the neighbors call the ambulance. He goes to the hospital, he has to have surgery, stuff like that. And then that's when my mom like moves back in. And so she kind of again, like knowing too much about them. She's like, you know, I only moved back in because I had to take care of your dad. And like, what else was I to do? And yada, yada, yada and all this other stuff. So she moves back in and just, they just deal with each other, their merit. They actually have a pretty good marriage now, shockingly. But like they, again, like the rest of my life, like in a middle school and a high school, they just kind of like tolerate each other and you know, I don't know what she was doing like, outside of there. I, I, she stopped, finally stopped telling me about that, which was good. But so they are together and like, life kind of resumes as normal. But again, like, you know, she's not around, she's working second shift. Like, he's the only one around.
- [11:07]
And so, yeah, so I.
- [11:11]
That happens. And that was in the grand scheme of things, like, I remember back then, like, that was all, like, a lot for me as a kid, just because nothing had really, like, happened to me at that point. So I, like, dealt with that. And then I got into high school, and for the most part, my early parts of high school were fine. I played soccer. I was in varsity soccer as a freshman. I made a lot of friends through that. Like, I became friends with some of the upperclassmen that I really liked that kind of, like, took me under their wing. And I'm still friends with some of them today. And, like, I just did, like, normal high schooler. I played sports, I hung out with my friends. Like, I did well at school, whatever. And then I also played, like, I played, like, travel softball and stuff growing up. And so I had a lot of friends that played softball, too. So we had our softball tryouts freshman year, and.
- [12:17]
Corey, my abuser, was a coach at this time. So we had tryouts, and all of my friends had made varsity, and I didn't. I made jv. And so obviously, like, I was upset about that because, like, I had been, like, playing softball with them my whole life, whatever. And so kind of at this point, like, you know, you're put in a situation or, like, a disadvantage almost, where you're, like, trying to impress this coach and perform well and show you work hard to try to get to be on varsity. So that was kind of my perspective on things when I was playing jv, whatever. And, you know, I played JV that whole year. And I remember I was, like, taking softball and. And playing and whatever really seriously and, like, working really hard to try to make varsity, like, the next year.
- [13:11]
B
And that would have been 10th grade.
- [13:13]
A
Yes. So now we're into 10th grade. And most of my, like, sophomore year in 10th grade, like, was very normal. Like, I was, you know, I played soccer again. I was a varsity soccer player. Like, I had a lot of friends through that. Like, we would party, like, typical high school stuff. This is kind of when I started, like, talking to guys. Like, kind of, like my first.
- [13:41]
Sexual experiences with guys, whatever. But, like, I had never had sex or anything like that. Just kind of, like, dabbling. And so.
- [13:51]
The false time is normal, whatever. And then the whole. That whole year really is normal until we get into, like, softball season. And so I remember, like, I was still working really hard to try to get a varsity with. We had tryouts. Like, she, like, classified me as, like, a swing position where I was supposed to play on varsity. And jv, what the fuck ever. I. And so I eventually, like, I sat for a little bit and then I like, she put me in a game and I like started to play and.
- [14:30]
You know, I ended up doing pretty well. So she started to play me more. And eventually I got to the point where like I was starting, I was playing well, I was hitting well, whatever I was, I. I got what I wanted finally. And so then at this point, like, and I had heard from other girls on the softball team that like, she was very like, friendly. But like, I never took it as like an inappropriate friendly. Like, she was just like the cool. The cool coach. She like hung out with them. Like people could go talk to her if they needed somebody. Like, stuff like that. And so she kind of started. It started by. She had a Twitter account. It was for our high school softball team. It was called CFHS softball. And so as a 10th grade, 16 year old girl, like, I use Twitter all the time. I would like tweet, whatever the song lyrics, whatever. And so she like starts to like, like my tweets on Twitter and stuff. And I'm like. And I'm like. And it just like comes up weird because it's like a high school sports account. And so then.
- [15:46]
She starts doing that. And then from what I remember, she starts texting me, like, and we start texting like very frequently, just about like softball, about life, whatever. And then it kind of starts to.
- [16:04]
Get to the frequency where we're like always in contact with each other, whatever. Like, I still at this point am like not looking at it as anything because that's my coach, you know, I like guys like, whatever. And so I'm not really like thinking anything of it. And then she. I'm just like thinking we're friends. And so then she starts to, you know, hang out with me outside of softball. Like, she would have me come visit her at her office at school because she was a high school softball coach. But then she was also a gym teacher at an elementary school in our district, which is quite horrifying at. At the end of this. Whatever. But so I would like. There are times where I would like leave school and like skip school to go like hang out with her in her office at work. And she like obviously had no problem with it. Whatever. Like, she would buy me food there sometimes when I went there, we'd hang out, talk about whatever. And then she started taking me to dinner, like after softball games. And then just you two? Yes, just us. And then we started to like, do stuff on the weekends. Like we would Go watch, like, other high school teams games sometime, like when our season ended. Or, like, watch other teams in our conference, like if we were about to play them next, whatever. Kind of like a scouting thing.
- [17:39]
B
Now, would you tell your parents that you were hanging out with her or did you keep it to yourself?
- [17:44]
A
Um, at this point in time, I'm not really sure. I can't really remember what I told them. I don't know if they were fully aware that I was hanging out with her or, like, what we were doing. But there I'll. And I'll get into it. There does become a point in time where they know that I'm with her this often. Yeah. So we're going to dinners, and then there eventually becomes a point of time where I was going to her house frequently. And, like, we'd go hang out at her house, or, like, we get food and, like, take it back and eat at her house. And so she, at the time was living in Talmad, which is like the town. The next town over from ours. And it was really. It was like. It's probably like 10 minutes away from my house, like in the schools and whatever. So I'd be going there and then I do remember one time, I don't know if I was just over there really late or what, but I ended up staying the night there in, like, her spare room. And again, it's just us there, and so nothing happens. That time I sleep in her spare room. I go home the next day. I know that time my parents knew. I think I told them I was at a friend's house or something like that. So then eventually.
- [19:03]
This is the day that, like, I really remember. It's May.
- [19:10]
It's a Friday, I believe it's May 22nd or 23rd. And she, like, invites me over to, like. It was decided that I was, like, gonna stay the night again. And she's like, you know, I'll, like, get you some alcohol, whatever. Cause at the time, like, I did, like, drink. Like, I. I was in high school, I drank a parties. Like, I drank when I hung out with my friends sometimes. Whatever. So I was like, 32.
- [19:37]
B
Okay. And you were what? 15?
- [19:40]
A
16. 16. 16. I had turned 16 in October. And so this is May now.
- [19:44]
B
Yeah. I mean, it's just surprising. Like, she was. That's some serious risks. Like.
- [19:48]
A
Oh, yeah.
- [19:48]
B
Alcohol, having you sleep there, like, even just besides, you know, anything of what you're about to get to. That's like.
- [19:54]
A
Right.
- [19:55]
B
Bad.
- [19:56]
A
Right? It's bad.
- [19:58]
B
And did you have any, like, inkling in Yourself of, like, this feels like she's kind of, like, coming on to me at all or at this point still, you weren't.
- [20:08]
A
I, like. And it's so funny because, like, I, like, sit back now and I'm like, what the was I thinking was gonna happen? Like, but I just, like, I don't.
- [20:18]
B
Think anybody thinks that.
- [20:19]
A
No, like, I just, like, still thought that we were just, like, friends or, like, whatever, you know, I just thought she was cool. Like, all my teammates had said she was cool and, like, just cool to hang out with, like, whatever.
- [20:31]
B
And I'm sorry, but, like, it is different when it's a woman, right? Like, you know, you're not going to view it as weird right off the bat.
- [20:40]
A
And at this point in time, like, I was. I had never. I had, like, not had any, like, attraction towards girls. Like, I had no sexual experiences with girls. Like, that, like, has never even crossed my mind. So I am just kind of like, okay, like, whatever. Like, yeah, let's drink. And yeah, she.
- [21:00]
B
Yeah.
- [21:00]
A
And then she's also like, I, like, have these, like, gummy, like, these THC or marijuana gummies like that. And we'll do, like, those too. So I remember we're sitting on her couch, and she, like, makes me this mixed drink with something. It's vodka and something. And she makes it for me. So I. I don't know, like what all exactly she puts in it. And so she gives me this drink, and I'm drinking that, and then she gives me a gummy. And then I kind of, like, start to, like, slip into.
- [21:37]
You know, I. I don't know if she drugged me with something. I don't know if I was just fucked up because I'm 16 years old. Yeah. And so I kind of, like, slip into the haze of being under the influence, you know? And so I remember she, like, gets closer to me on the couch, and she, like, starts, like, nibbling on my ear and, like, kissing my ear, and then she starts kissing my neck. And then, like, we, like, start, like, kissing and making out and whatever. And then, like, the rest of the night from there kind of goes dark for me. I don't know if it is the passage of time or, like, the trauma, like, blocked it out, but I remember I. The next morning, I, like, wake up in her bed with her next to me, and I don't have any, like, pants on or anything like that. And I'm kind of like, what happened? Like, whatever. And then at this point, I believe this is when we, like, engage. We, like, have sex.
- [22:51]
B
For the first time that morning.
- [22:53]
A
That morning, from what I remember. Okay, so then, you know, that happens. I eventually go home, and she's, like, still, like, blowing me up, like, texting, saying, like, like, what was that? Like, I think she, like, told me she loved me and, like, that she wanted to be together with me. Blah, blah, bl. And, like, you know, at this time, like, she had became, like, the person that I could rely on and that I could count on and that I could run to and that would, like, if I was upset, she would comfort me, like, stuff like that. So I was kind of like.
- [23:34]
I. I don't know. Like, I. I don't know what we're doing. So.
- [23:38]
B
Did she ever say anything to you? Like, you know, you can't tell anybody or anything?
- [23:41]
A
Yes. So she did. So we, like.
- [23:46]
Eventually established that we're, like, together, like, in a relationship or whatever. And. And then this is when she's, like, you know, like, you know, you can't tell anyone. Like, I could get in a lot of trouble, yada, yada, yada. And at this point, like, I knew that, like, I wasn't dumb. Like, I knew that, like, teachers could get in trouble for that. So I knew, like, no one could know about it. But then, like. And this is what, like, she was just, like, so bold at the beginning, too, because, you know, obviously there's all this trouble she can get in, but she's still, like, blowing my phone up. Text me all the time at school, like, from her actual number. Like, at this point in time, we're going out to dinner and, like, doing stuff in the community, right? So it's like, anyone could have saw us out doing that. But she. There was not a concern of hers at that time. And so then, you know, we are in this, and I call it a relationship because that's.
- [24:50]
It was really abuse. But we're in this relationship for the rest of that summer. So at that point, I mean, I was still in constant communication with her. Like, we would talk on the phone. We would text 24 7. You know, I think at one point, like, she had me change her name and my phone to, like, love. But, like, stuff like this fucking gross stuff like that. And so we are hanging out every day. I mean, we're obviously, like, we're having sex, like, every day. Like, it wasn't just, oh, like, we're fucked up, this is an accident thing. Like, after that, like, the. The abuse was every day.
- [25:32]
And so that summer, like, we just kept doing what we were doing. Like, we. She would like, take me shopping and buy me stuff. And then she also, like, she was friends with this mom who was a parent of a girl that eventually was on our softball team. And then she had also taught her other daughter in school. And so this woman knew that like we were hanging out, but she didn't know that what the extent of our relationship was. So I think as kind of like a mask or like a guise of like what was actually going on. She like started having this family, this mom and her kids and whatever. Come like, do stuff with us.
- [26:21]
B
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- [27:52]
A
Like, I remember one time, like we went to Columbus for like a day trip to go shopping and stuff and this family went and I, I don't understand how this mom was like, watching this, like, seeing this relationship in person and being like, this is normal. This. Yeah, this is fucking. I, I. Cause I would be like, this is fucking weird. Like, and like on this Columbus trip too, I mean, she was paying for everything for me. Like, I didn't work like I was playing sports and stuff still and all that, but like, I didn't work. Like, I, I didn't have my first job really till I had graduated and whatever. So she would like pay for everything for me. And so like, they knew, like, they had to have seen that she was paying for all this stuff for me. Like, she bought me clothes and like a new pair of soccer shoes. And like that's just like not shit that your coach or an adult of that age should be buying for a 16 year old that's not related to them. And so all that kind of stuff was happening. And you know, my parents at this point knew that I was like seeing her and hanging out with her occasionally, but not the full like, extent of it. So also during the summer, like this is kind of. And I was talking to him out about it actually yesterday. Like, I think what's so like haunting about these experiences even now and even after you talk about them is that like, like my first sexual experiences, like my first time like using a vibrator, my first time orgasming, my first time having sex, like, is with her. So anytime you like.
- [29:43]
Think about the first time you did any of those things, like, that's, that's what I remember. And so like, you know, she's like. And she almost like she like fully exploits the facts that I've like never had an orgasm. Like, never use a vibrator or like, I remember one time she made me like.
- [30:05]
Let her eat me out until I like had her orgasm. Like, she wouldn't let me like stop her or then like she would make me like, because I really didn't want to use like a vibrator or anything like that. And she like made me use it until I like came like. And I'm like, there's obviously, you know.
- [30:25]
B
Obviously besides her being a pedophile, right. You know, like, there's obviously something within her that's like, is, I think in my opinion, is attracted to younger people so that she can have that power of like, let me be your first or everything, right?
- [30:40]
A
Yes. And I think that's exactly like what it is because it wasn't like I was.
- [30:47]
Like a bunch of dudes right before I like, I was 16 years old. Like, even if I was. But like, I, I had very limited experience.
- [30:56]
B
Like, it was almost like a. She saw an easy target, right? To take advantage of. Right?
- [31:02]
A
And then like, it was also like the same thing with like porn. Like, she would like start to introduce me with porn and make me watch porn. Like, stuff like that. And weird. Yeah, she's just weird.
- [31:13]
B
Yeah. Especially.
- [31:14]
A
It's just like.
- [31:15]
B
So it's odd to me, too. It's like, one thing to explore sexuality with, like, you know, in your relationship where you're comfortable.
- [31:22]
A
Right.
- [31:22]
B
Two consenting adults.
- [31:24]
A
Right.
- [31:24]
B
Then it's just like, to me, there is just this really twisted aspect.
- [31:28]
A
Yes.
- [31:28]
B
Like, wanting to introduce you to this more like.
- [31:31]
A
Right.
- [31:31]
B
And I wouldn't say, I guess, like, I mean, at that age, it is dark. I don't think that, like, those things are really thought about or experimented with until you're older. Like, you're. Even if you are having sex when you're 16 years old, it's like the very, like, basics. You think you're doing crazy stuff. You're not. Like, you know, that's crazy. And I think even that I feel like. I know I've had some people on the show talk about this, but, you know, having those kind of experiences so young and in such a way like, that you did that was, you know, this kind of grooming situation. It does lead you to having sexual trauma. It's like, it almost has you viewing sex in not as, like, pure of a way. Like, it's like.
- [32:14]
A
Right.
- [32:14]
B
It makes it different.
- [32:15]
A
It does, yeah. And then, so I guess, like, some more, like, backstory on her, too, that I'm, like, figuring out while this relationship's going on in its early stages. I find out at first she lies to me and says that she has had sex with men. And then I don't know why she lies to me about this, because I, like, you know, she knew that I hadn't had sex with any men. Like, I had no reason to lie, like, whatever, like. And so she, like, told me that she had. And then, you know, I had made some kind of comment about, like, having sex with men, whatever, to her. And she, like, had this, like. Like, almost, like, broke down and was like, I. I haven't had sex with a man before. Like, blah, blah, blah, blah. And I'm like, you know, at this point, too, she's told me that she's been in relationship with men. I think she told me there was at one point where she was engaged, like, almost married. Like, she's told. Had told me that she was in serious relationship with men for, like, years. And I'm like, you were in relationship with these men for that long and you didn't have sex? Like, and it just, like, was very, like, weird to me, like, knowing how sexual she was at that point. And then another thing that I learned is that she did have a relationship with another girl that played softball that.
- [33:47]
B
At the same school.
- [33:48]
A
Yep. And that relationship started like four or five years before.
- [33:56]
Ours did, I believe.
- [33:57]
B
Was the girl the same age as you?
- [34:00]
A
So she alleges that it started after the girl graduated and that like the girl initiated it and all this other stuff. But like, okay, even so, obviously, obviously knowing like what I know now and like there was like a nine year age difference between them too, which is like, fine, like we have an age gap between each other, but it's like, you know, I mean, this girl's 18 and what, she's in her late 20s. Like, that's like such a totally different, like.
- [34:31]
Times of like, you know what I mean? So I, you know, I don't know, like, and I'm not going to speak for her, like, I don't know what happened when she was in high school. I don't know what she did. But like, clearly to me, like, this grooming behavior and whatever the fuck is there, like, there's no coincidence that you, like, dated this girl. And they dated for a long time. They like dated for years. They. They dated from when she graduated up until like me. So she says she broke up with her, like, right before things started with me. And so that was like an added layer to things where I'm like, that's fucking weird. And you know, I. I think back about it now and I. Part of the reason I think that their relationship eventually ended was that.
- [35:17]
I obviously, like, when you get to a certain point of our relationship, you want to take it to the next step. You want to be like, you want to meet families, like, be open about your relationship. And I just don't think that she was like, Cory was ever comfortable with doing that, like, with anybody. And so I kind of think that she thought maybe with me, like, oh, I'm underage, I can't tell anybody about this. So there's never gonna be the right want or desire to be open and talk and whatever. And like, yeah, so there's that too. So you know this like.
- [35:57]
The relationships, like, progressing. Like, we get into my junior year and at this point, like, I'm like, I'm like in fully engulfed in this. And she has me convinced that she's the love of my life. Like, no one's ever gonna like, love me or be there for me as much as she is. Yada, yada, yada. And so she would every, like, free second I had, like, she wanted it to be with her. Or then like, if I try to hang out with my friends or whatever. Like, she would make me feel bad. So it was almost like, you know, I would go to school, I'd go to soccer practice or whatever. And then, like, I'd have to go see her, like, and then I'd come home at like, 10, 11 o' clock at night. And like, a bitch is fucking tired. Like, Jesus Christ. Like, you know, you're like. I'm, like, trying to, like, be a normal kid and, like, go to school and. And do sports and whatever. And then, like, still, like, put all of my time and energy, like, towards her, too. And so, you know, this is going on. Like, I'm, like, starting to get more isolated from everybody else. I would say more, like, withdrawn. Like, secret. Like, obviously. Like, I don't want people. Like, people can't know about my life because it's with her all the time.
- [37:16]
B
Yeah. And you never told any friends or anything?
- [37:19]
A
No, not until I was an adult. And so then at this point, too, like, people, like, kind of started to, like, suspect suspect something was going on. And it never escalated to the point of, like, telling anyone or anything like that. I was just like, kind of like rumors, like, floating around the school. And so obviously we had caught wind of that and heard that. And so then at this point, like, she kind of started to get, like, a little bit paranoid about things. Like, I believe this is around the time where we started to, like, if we were going to go out to eat or do whatever, like, we would go, like. Like, we lived in Summit county. We, like, go to, like, the next county over to do whatever.
- [38:06]
And then she also started kind of, like, trying to, like, befriend my parents, too. And she ended up getting, like. She ended up did eventually, like, becoming like, kind of friends with my dad, like, kind of so that, like, it was okay. Like, yeah, so that's happening. And then I. One of the biggest mem. Because, like, the abuse all, after a certain point, all runs together, right? Like, when it's that frequent. I. I was telling Matt the other day, it's like a big block of like.
- [38:41]
B
Yeah, just like the time. Yes, it was happening. Like, other than the beginning, I feel like. Yeah, just like, you know, you know, the time frame.
- [38:51]
Let me make you feel better.
- [38:53]
A
And so there was one time that I. I do remember it was really, like. It was very, like, strange and, like, risky for her to do. Like, she, like, facilitated this whole, like, Myrtle beach trip for our softball team to take, like, through the school over spring break. And I remember we were, like, about to go leave for a practice or our game. And everyone else was like going down like from the hotel to get on the bus. And she like took me in her hotel room and like made out with me before we went and like did whatever. This was like. And so I don't really know what the fuck that was about, but whatever. So that happens. Like, people are kind of starting to get like, suspect something's going on. Like the rumors are floating around, like.
- [39:44]
The, this becomes a normal. So the normal persists like through like the end of my junior year, that summer of junior year, like we're in our relationship. Like we think we just celebrated like our year anniversary of whatever.
- [40:02]
And so that, that is what it is. And then it continues into my senior year. And this, this is kind of when things start to blow up. So at this point she is like wanting me to go and play college softball. And I kind of like just went along with like whatever she wanted me to do. And so I was like, yeah, okay, like I could do that. So she like started helping me like get recruited by like college, like colleges, stuff like that. And like, I also don't know at this point if this was another like manipulation or control tactic to be like, if you like leave or do whatever, like, I'm not gonna help you with this. Because there were times where like we, we would fight obviously in the relationship. And like, I would try to get like away from her or like get space from her. And like she would just like blow my phone. Like wouldn't stop calling my phone. And then I remember one time she like followed me home. Like I'm like trying to get away from her to go home to my parents house and she's like following me home. Like she just did like crazy like that. And so I think the hard thing.
- [41:22]
B
Too is, you know, like you mentioned, I feel like your first relationships, they're very like, you know, they have a big impact on you. You are kind of navigating things. And I think a lot of times, especially if there is, you know, a sense of manipulation and things like that, you don't really have the tools and understanding to point out those red flags and get away from them.
- [41:40]
A
Right.
- [41:41]
B
You know, I just feel like a lot like, especially if, if it's your first type of thing, you just don't.
- [41:46]
A
Right.
- [41:46]
B
You don't know. It's not as easy as to just be like, this is bad amount. Yeah, right.
- [41:51]
A
And especially now, like, there's this whole other layer to it. Like, she's still my coach, like, so it's that. And then she's also my coach, so it's not like I'm ever getting away with her even if the relationship ends. Yeah.
- [42:04]
B
It makes sense to me for you to have the mindset of, like, come college time, I'll just go away to, like, escape the whole. You know, it's just. That seems like the easiest walk out of the situation.
- [42:15]
A
Right. Yeah. So. And, you know, at this point, like, I don't know, like, even if, like, that's fully what I wanted to do, like, if I wanted to end the relationship and, like.
- [42:26]
B
Right. You still have, like, feelings and emotions.
- [42:29]
A
And so I'm just like, it's a very confusing time. And so she, like, is having me go visit these colleges and is like, basically like, you. You know, she gets it in my mind that I, like, have to play college softball. But then, like, you know, I still don't know at the end of the day, like, at this time, if that's even what I wanted to do, because I had, like, adapted so much of her personality and her wants and. And. And, like, what she wanted in her life and, like, everything like that. Like, I didn't even know who. I think I. I feel like I lost this sense of, like, identity.
- [43:08]
B
Absolutely.
- [43:10]
A
So she's, like, taking me on these college visits. Like, I think I missed school one day to go on a college visit with her. My parents did know about that. And, like, you know, eventually I end up deciding to play college softball somewhere. That. It's like, it was like, a smaller school and it was, like, 45 minutes away from home, so, like, I could still see her, like, and, like, they didn't even have, like, it's just like, the way how distorted she was about, like, this college softball thing is. Like, there was no, like, concern about the school part of things. And at that point in time, like, I was always very smart. Like, I. I think I graduated with, like, close to almost a 4.0 in high school. So obviously the education part was something I was good at, too, and also important to me. And so she had me, like, committed to this school that, like, didn't even have the major I wanted to go into and stuff like that or anything even related to it. So that's happening. And then eventually I, like, again, like, I'm kind of like.
- [44:26]
I'm kind of, like, over her a little bit. Like. But I feel like I'm trapped, obviously, like, because I can't get away from her. And then also another thing is, too, is that I. I don't know if I Like, girls or not really either. Like, I. I don't know, because the only experience I'd ever had was with her. And then I had experience with, like, guys before her. And so I started to have this, like, identity crisis where I'm like, am I, like, a lesbian? Like, what. What am I? Like, is it just her? Like, so I, like, kind of started, like, a. Like, a thing with this girl on my soccer team. And, like, I guess for, like, layman turns, like, it was like, I did, like, cheat on Corey. Like, this girl and I, like, had feelings for each other. We were texting all the time. Like, I think there are times where we, like, fool around a little bit. Like, I definitely know we, like, made out and. And did whatever. And so she, like, obviously picked up on this because she was creepy and.
- [45:24]
B
Like, on to you.
- [45:26]
A
Onto me.
- [45:27]
B
Yeah.
- [45:27]
A
And so she picked up, like, about this. Like, I would deny it, deny it, deny it. But, like, she totally knew that something was going on. And so eventually, like, she writes me this big, long, like, note thing in my notes. Like, basically, like, I love you. Like, you're my person. Like, I'll. I'll be there for you in any capacity you want me to be. Like, yada. Like, this big, long, like, nice thing that made me, like, feel bad for. For being unfaithful to her. And so at this point in time, too, like, and to kind of give a little bit more background, like, that summer prior, like, she had a very close relationship with her grandmother, and her grandma died. I mean, her Grandma was, like, 96 years old, but, like, her grandma died, and she was very, like, she was very upset and, like, grieving over that as well. So all these things are happening. And, like, she'd also, like, you know, that was like, a big person in my life, too, where I'm like, what does my life, like, look like without her? Like, because I, like, she was my life. And so I eventually decide to, like, end this fling or whatever with this other girl. I, like, feel really guilty for, like, cheating on her. And, like, you know, I was lying about it. And, like, she doesn't know exactly what I did, whatever. And so I have all these feelings of, like, guilt. Like, I feel bad. I feel bad for her.
- [47:03]
Whatever. And so at this point, too, like, I'd also. I think after, like, things ended with this girl, like, or, like, even, like, maybe while I was still seeing her, like, I would also still go and, like, she would really, like, be obsessed with me, like, staying the night at her house because she said she wanted Me to sleep with her. And I'm like, okay, whatever. So there were times where I, like, went and stayed. Then I. At her house and did whatever. Like, I know one time, like, she did not let me go to, like, any school functions, really, or school dances, except for my senior year homecoming. I. I don't know if I was just like, it, I'm going anyways, or what I went, and then she made me, like, come say the night at her house after.
- [47:51]
And so I don't know if my parents knew exactly how much I was staying the night over there. What? I don't think they did, but yeah. So all this is happening. Like, things kind of, like, level out. It's like October, November of my senior year. And at this point, like, I had turned 18. So this has been going on from 16 to 18, like, almost all of high school, it feels like. And I was on this field trip for National Honor Society because we would go out in the community and do volunteer work or whatever. So I remember we go to this, like, nursing home, and we, like, play games with the older people. And it was like, really? I remember it was really nice. And, like, I had a really good time, like, and it felt really good to, like, go and do that. And so I, like, I'm on the bus on the way home from that, and we. I'm like, texting Corey on the school bus, and she's, like, not answering. I'm like, oh, whatever. Like, she's probably busy at work, whatever. And so we get back to the school, and the superintendent and the principal, like, come out of the office, because the office is, like, right by where the school bus comes up. And they're like, you need to come in here. Like, we need to talk to you. And I'm like, okay. Like, am I in trouble? Like, whatever. Like, not even thinking, like, this is. And so they bring me into this office and they, like.
- [49:27]
Start asking me all these questions about her. Like, because at. A few weeks ago, these students from my high school had saw us out in public and at this ice cream place that was very far away from where I lived. It was in, like, Cleveland area. And so it was, like 40, 45 minutes away. And it was just the two of us. And, like, four girls from my high school, like, saw us out there. And I don't know why, like, it took so long for someone to say something or, like, what was going on at that time. But, like, eventually one of them told a teacher, and then the teacher told the administration, whatever, that they saw that. And, like, Something was going on, like, and there are rumors going around, whatever. And so they. Superintendent, the principal, like, pull me into their office, and they're like, ask me all these questions about Corey. And I'm like, saying, like, no, no, no, it's not true. And they're, like, talking to me without my parents there. Like, they said they tried to call my parents, but, like, they didn't answer because they were both working. And so this whole time they're asking me all these questions. And then eventually, I believe in this interview, like, I say that we hang out, like, and I say that I spent the night at her house. Like, stuff like. Like, I make some admissions to them. And so eventually they let me go. And my parents never fucking answer or respond to them. Whatever. So I go home and eventually, like, my parents. Parents do get a hold of the school. And, you know, of course I tell them, like, you know, it's not true. It's not true. Whatever.
- [51:07]
B
Now, she answer any of your texts?
- [51:09]
A
No. So at this point, when. When the school finds out, like, she cut off all, like, really. Contact with me. Yeah.
- [51:17]
So she cut off contact with me from beginning of November through. I want to say, like, mid to late December. But did you see her at all? No.
- [51:29]
B
Were you. How did you feel about that? Were you upset?
- [51:32]
A
Oh, yeah, because that was the only person I, like, talked to. It was like, it would be like, if, like, it went. He just like, yeah, yeah. I'd be like, if he just stopped. Yeah, yeah. And just was unreachable. And, like, there's no clothes. Like, there's no anything. And so I'm very upset. And then, like, you know, this is there because they put her on administrative leave, like, pending this investigation or whatever. And so eventually there's, like, a newspaper article about it, about how she's on admin leave involving, like, an inappropriate relationship with a student. And so that's going on. And then all of this. Obviously everybody knows about it because it's in the paper. And so then, like, you know. You know how high school is. Like, everyone's talking about it. And then everyone's like, the other component of it is, like, everyone's like, oh, my God, like, are you a lesbian? Like, yada, yada, yada. Which is like.
- [52:35]
That. Like, if I was like, that's not something that you announce in the paper when you're in high school, you know.
- [52:41]
B
And also, like, you didn't even have time to digest and. And no.
- [52:44]
A
Right. And so, like, there's just all this. All this is going around so, like, schools hell too. And like, everyone's like, oh, my God, is this true? This whatever. And so I'm like, adamantly denying it because, like, obviously we had talked about it in our relationship what I would do if the school, like, anybody found out or asked me. And like, it was decided, like, obviously I would deny it, like, or else she would get in trouble.
- [53:13]
So I denied it. Whatever. The school ended up having this lawyer from the district come in and, like, investigate this. And so she, like, interviews my parents, interviews a bunch of other students, yada, yada yada. And then eventually, after she closes her investigation, Corey was reinstated as.
- [53:39]
The gym teacher, but, like, not as our coach. So we got a new softball coach my senior year. But during this time, like, And I found this all out that. And confirmed it recently, like, the school never called the police and told them, hey, we have an inappropriate relationship and.
- [53:58]
B
Let her still work there.
- [53:59]
A
Yeah, right. You know, because they never called cps, Right. They never called the Ohio Board of Education. The Ohio Board of Education found out that she was under whatever for this by the newspaper articles. And so, you know, I. Cause forever, I'm like, you know, I had thought, like, the police, like, they told the police and like, nothing ever happened because I wasn't cooperative and my parents weren't cooperative. Like, my parents, like.
- [54:35]
Thought that, like, this, this. My parents, like, were convinced, like, the school district was, like, out to get her basically, and that nothing was going on between us and like, they just wanted to get rid of her as a softball.
- [54:47]
B
Did they ever question you, your parents?
- [54:49]
A
I think they literally asked me, like, one time if it was true, and I said no. And then like, that was just like, it.
- [54:54]
B
Okay.
- [54:55]
A
Which it's like, I don't know, like, I feel like I don't have any kids, but I feel like I would ask a few more questions in that. But whatever.
- [55:04]
B
I think too, because, you know, obviously in a situation like that, you're still a child. Like, you were going to be scared.
- [55:10]
A
Right.
- [55:12]
And so I'm just thinking, like, that they told the police and they just didn't do anything because I wasn't cooperative and there was nothing criminal. But, like, clearly. So I'm a prosecutor now, so I know now that, like, if there's any kind of inappropriate relationship allegation with a teacher and a student, you are absolutely calling the police. And it is unheard of that a report's not taken and it's not investigated. Because of course, like, a child in that position that's in high school with all this shit's going on. Yeah. Isn't gonna fucking admit it to some old ass lawyer that the school district brings in to talk to you. Like there are people TR that shit to interview kids like that.
- [56:00]
B
Yeah.
- [56:01]
A
So none of that fucking happened. Which clearly is a problem. Like you can't just fucking do that. And then so she gets reinstated as a gym teacher and.
- [56:15]
Let go as a softball coach. And then at this point, I mean, the. We eventually, like, she eventually messaged. She eventually like text me about something like from her actual phone. And. And we end up starting to communicate. She gets like a burner phone. So I communicate with her on her burner phone and then she gets like a fake Snapchat account and then she made me make a fake Snapchat account to communicate with her on there. And we did start hanging out again and like the abuse resumed probably mid to late December.
- [56:55]
Of my senior year. And I mean, it was basically the same, but it was even more isolating now because we couldn't go anywhere. Yeah. And then she would also make me like park streets over from her neighborhood or her house or whatever and then come pick me up from there. So like my car wasn't seen at her house or like crazy like. And so, you know, this is happening. She is like, she's like upset because she loses her softball job. Like, she is still like under the.
- [57:33]
US like the idea that like the school district's out to get her and that this all just happened because they like want to get rid of her. Like, there was no, like, oh. Like I was, I was actually doing this.
- [57:47]
B
Like, no responsibility.
- [57:48]
A
Right. So that happens. Like, she continues to teach and stuff. Like at this point, like, obviously like her coworkers, co workers and shit are like, you're fucking weird ass bitch. Like, I don't want to be like associated with you at all. So she starts having issues at work and she was kind of like saying that she was going to like totally switch careers, like, whatever. And so she is back at work. The Ohio Board of Education is open their own investigation finally because they found out about this through the newspaper or whatever. So she has this pending with them.
- [58:28]
And you know, the rest of my senior year was just miserable because she was miserable. So obviously she was going to be miserable. Like she's going to project that onto me. And I did like, was still like going to play college softball and this was really fucked up too. Like, and I wanted to sign like a national letter of intent or like, whatever the, you know that you do. And she was like, no, like, you can't do that because, like, I can't be there. Like, what, you're gonna have, like, your new coach, like, be there and, like, take the credit for it, so. She wouldn't let me do that. Um, she didn't let me go to prom, all this other shit. Um, she still, like, went to all of our softball games that year, which was fucking weird. And, like, stood out, like, with my parents, like, and watch the games and shit, which was just like. And, like, totally acted like she wasn't doing anything to me, and, like, nothing happened. So, you know, I graduate.
- [59:31]
Like, that summer. Like, I'm, like, getting ready to go to school. Like, things kind of resume as normal. Like, we kind of get more, like, lax about things again because, you know, I've graduated, so we kind of go back to doing the same stuff, whatever. Like, she's still, like.
- [59:50]
Seems very miserable at this point and, like, bitter. Like, almost thinking, like, it's my. Like, almost, like, blaming me that, like, this happened to her. And so I'm just, like, kind of like, whatever. Like, I just, like, deal with it. And then, you know, I was very. At this point in time, like, I was, like, very scared to go to college, like. Cause I had never been, like, away from her either. I'd never been away from home. I'd never been away from her. I wasn't gonna have my car at school either, so I couldn't see her. And so then, you know, she, like, was. She became upset that I was leaving and, like, like, was like, you need to, like, come see me on the weekends. Like, blah, blah, blah, blah, blah, whatever. So I go and I try to go to this college and play softball, and, you know, I still have to go and see her, like, on the weekends. Like, I'd have my parents pick me up, and, like, they take me home. And then I go home and, like, drive to go see her or whatever. And eventually, at the beginning of the school year, like, I get injured, so I can't even play. And so I'm, like, doing this. And then I'm, like, dealing with her. And then there's. She comes up and sees me one day, like, in September, and it's like, I. They, like, took my teaching license.
- [61:14]
B
The.
- [61:15]
A
The board did, because they, like, pulled our phone records, and they saw, like, how much I called and texted you. So they're taking my license. Like, I resigned from my job, like, today.
- [61:29]
And so I. She made me feel bad about that, obviously. And so at some point at this time, like, I just, like, have I, like, have a mental breakdown. Like, I am. Like, I don't want to be here. Like, I don't want to be playing softball. Like, I don't want to be living here. I, like, wasn't really getting along or making any friends because I was going home on the weekends so much. Like, when would I have the time?
- [61:59]
B
Yeah.
- [62:00]
A
And I was like, I just, like, want to focus on school. And this school doesn't even have, like, what I want to do because I wanted to do, like, criminal. Just something criminal justice related. And they didn't have that. And so I was finally, like, I, like, need to get the fuck out of here. And so I.
- [62:21]
Dropped out after a semester. I moved home. It felt like, like, my parents made me feel really embarrassed about it. She made me feel really embarrassed about it. Like, I was a failure. Like, which made no sense because I'm like, you're fucking setting me up for failure. And I just, like, I somehow, like, for the grace of God, I'm able to, like, quickly transfer to Ken State, which is. I was able to commute and whatever, and I got into the major I wanted to do, so that all worked out. And then at this point in time, like, I kind of started to reconnect with my friend Savannah and some of my other friends that I had known in high school, like, that were older than me, that I knew and graduated, like, my sophomore year. Like, before, like, any of this with Corey happened. So then I finally move home, and I, like, told her, I'm like, I. I'm, like, done. Like, I. I don't want to be, like, in a relationship with you. Like, I. I don't know. I think I told her I wanted to take a break, like, but I was like, I'm. I'm done. Like, yeah, with this. With you. And so.
- [63:34]
It obviously, like, wasn't just, like, a clean break. Like, we still, like, were in contact with each other. I think we still saw each other. But, like, she, like, at this point in time, like, it seemed like she had really, like, lost interest in me. Like, and I don't know if it was because I was an adult or if it was because I was not, like, living the life that she wanted me to live or she thought I was a failure because I came home and, like, transferred schools and was commuting because she had always sold me, like, in high school. Like, oh, like, people that commute are, like, such failures. Like, you don't experience life, like, commuting, like, all this other stuff. And so she like, almost, even if that was something I wanted to do. She almost, like, made me take that out of the picture completely. And so she. She just like, basically seemed done and over and whatever. And so, um, at this point, like, I'm, like, trying to fucking pick up the pieces of my life. Like, I'm fucking living at home. I didn't think I'd be living at home anytime soon.
- [64:45]
I don't have. I feel like I don't have any friends because she was my only friend for two, almost three years now. And, you know, at this point, I don't have a job. Like, I just feel like I had, like, fucking nothing. Like, and I was just lost. And so finally, like, I was going to school. I was like, I'm gonna get a job and like, just start, like, doing fucking something that. Because. To fill this void. And so I, like, go to school. I, like, I'm working. I finished that, like, semester that school year out, my first year of college.
- [65:29]
We still have, like a. I. I guess like a relationship, like a friendship. Like, it's. It's not really, like, sexual or anything like that anymore.
- [65:37]
B
Just, like, staying in touch.
- [65:38]
A
Yeah. And so then.
- [65:42]
And she's. She's very weird at this point in time, too. So in like, 2017, like, it was like the fall after. It was a fall of my sophomore year of high school. She not high school. College. Sorry. She is like, you should come play on, like, my slow pitch softball team. And I'm like, okay. Like, that would probably be good for me to, like, play again, whatever. And so I go and I like, start playing on this team and it's. Whatever. And then she starts to get, like, really fucking weird and jealous because I, at this point in time, was like, talking to God. Like, I was starting to, like, open up. Right? Yeah.
- [66:26]
B
Find yourself.
- [66:27]
A
Yeah, Right. And so I'm, like, talking to guys on this team and she, like, starts to get shitty about that and, like, jealous and, like, whatever. And she kind of starts to, like, notice, like, oh, fuck. Like, she's starting to have her own life.
- [66:41]
So she starts to, like, really, like, start communicating with me a lot again. Like, she would, like, ask, like, to go on drives, like, pick me up at my house and, like, go on drives and, like, do stuff and, like, whatever. And at this point in time, I'm like, kind of like, like, no, like, I. I don't, like, want this with you. Like, I want to be. I want to, like, be fucking normal and, like, explore other things and, like, live my life. Like, I don't. I don't Want anything to do with you. And so actually, people on my slopage team kind of started to put stuff together and they're like, hey, like, I remember, like, reading about this in the paper. Like, did this happen? Like, were you in a relationship with her? Like, this is when people, like, actually started, like, asking me about it. And these people were friendly. The people that were like this. That was, like, not okay that that, like, happened to you. Like, these are fucking grown men, like, telling me this. And so then finally, like, you know, people are telling me this, and I'm like, okay.
- [67:51]
Maybe I should.
- [67:55]
Really fucking look back at, like, what she's done to me and, like, done to my life, you know? So I really started to think about it. Like, you know, I'm taking, like, criminal justice classes, whatever. Like, in this, at this point in time, this is when, like, things, like, start to click. Like, about, like, what she did and, like, what happened to me. And at this point in time, I'm like, I'm, like, done with you. Like, we're not. Like, I sent her this text that says, like, do not text me anymore. Do not text my family. Like, I'm fucking done with you. You, like, ruined my life. Like, because I. I believe one time too, I had told her that she ruined my life. And she, like, went on this big thing saying, like, I ruined your life. Like, I lost my teaching license because of you. Like, all this other stuff like that. And so I was finally just like, I'm fucking done with you. Don't ever fucking contact me again. Whatever. And so I go throughout college, Like, I, you know, I'm working. I, like, fast track my degree to get done in three years.
- [69:02]
And I decided that I'm going to go to law school. Whatever. So I applied to law school, and I, you know, post online that I got into law school or whatever. And so she sends me a text and it's like, hey, like, I saw online that you got into law school. I think at this point in time, we're still, like, friends on social media maybe or whatever. And so she sends me this text, like, congratulating me. And I.
- [69:31]
Tell her, I'm like, yeah, thank you. Like, just so you know, like, I wrote my law school admissions essay about, like, you and what you did to me.
- [69:42]
And she was kind of, like, played it off. Like, oh, like, really? Like, she was surprised. She was surprised to hear it. But, like, didn't say anything. Like.
- [69:54]
Like, didn't apologize. Didn't ever apologize and say anything like that. And then I remember too, like, I think a little while after, she, like.
- [70:03]
B
I'm surprised she wasn't like, her pants.
- [70:06]
A
I. Well, I think this is when she starts to.
- [70:10]
Be like, oh, yeah. So.
- [70:15]
I think also after that time, like, I remember the last time I met up with her. Like, and this had been years since we saw each other. I, like, met up with her because I'm like, I want to fucking ask this bitch in person. Like, all. Because all I want to know was, like, why the fuck you, like, had to do this to me? Like, why did you pick me? Like, you had all these other people and all these whatever. Like, why did it have to be me? And, you know, she still, like, never acknowledged the.
- [70:45]
Even relationship, really. Never took accountability. Never did fucking, like, just. It was like a pointless fucking conversation conversation. So that's the last time I see her. That's the last time I talk to her. It's like the. My last year of college right before I go into law school. And then once I go into law school, I mean, we don't have any communication with each other at all.
- [71:10]
I believe she.
- [71:13]
We, like, became like, unfriended with each other on social media, like, whatever, and I don't hear from her. And then at this point in time, I kind of get into my first.
- [71:25]
Real relationship. Like, that, like, that wasn't, like, abuse, you know what I mean? So I get into my first relationship and, like, my relationship with him, like, we. We both just, like, had our own issues. But, like, you know, it was so hard to try to be and try to make a normal, healthy relationship after. Like, that's what my template of a relationship was. That's. That's all I have to go off of.
- [71:56]
B
Yeah.
- [71:58]
A
So obviously, like, I realized a lot of things, like, during that just, like, I had just a lot of trust issues, like, stuff like that, like, that I just could not, like, get over or whatever. And so I'm like, starting to realize that I am, like, affected by this, like, event that's happened to me. And so I'm just like, you know what? Like, I'm just gonna. Like, I wanted to. Like, I ended up wanting to go to law school because of. Of this, because I'm like, I want to be a prosecutor because I want to prosecute people like this that did this to me. And so I go to law school and I'm like, I am so busy. Like, I can't deal with this right now because I'm, like, working and going to law school, and I'm like, I'm just gonna, like, deal with this trauma or whatever later. So it's like, dealing with this shit's like always on the back burner for me. So I graduate from law school, I pass a bar. Like, I meet Matt. Like, I'm finally in my, like, first like, healthy relationship, like I've ever like, been in my life, right? And we like, buy a house, like we get three dogs. Like we're having, like. Like life should be fucking good, right? Like, I have a full time job, like working as a prosecutor. Like, everything that I like, had wanted to achieve in my life, like, I had got. But then I'm like.
- [73:33]
Like I'm like, still like, so like.
- [73:38]
Depressed. Like, I'm depressed and then I'm like, you know, I would have a lot of like, anxiety when like, he would leave me alone and go to work. Like, it was just like this stuff just like kind of started to like, creep up. And so he's finally like, you know, why don't you, like, go to therapy? Like, you probably need to go to therapy, like, after this happened to you. You know what I mean? And so I.
- [74:04]
Go to therapy and I'm. This is the first time that I'm like, fully like, talking about her and this and like, how it's affected my life and just how I'm feeling about it. And then, you know, my therapist was really great. She really like, helped me through a lot of stuff because I forever was under the.
- [74:29]
Idea that like, it was my fault too. Like, and that I. It was okay that it happened because I.
- [74:38]
Consented to it. And then I didn't tell anybody about it when I. When I could have. And so for years that was kind of like eating me alive almost because I'm like, oh my God. Like, I know that she's like, not a teacher anymore, but she actually ended up moving.
- [74:58]
To like a few counties over. She still lived in the state, but she moved a few counties over. Like, she didn't live nearby anymore. And like, from what I understood, she like totally switched careers. And I'm like, you know, I don't know anything about her now. Like, you know, I don't know if she has done this since me. I don't know if she's gonna. Like, I felt. I started to feel like guilt of like, oh my God, like, what if some she does this to somebody else? Because she did it before me. So she helped me through like a lot of that. Basically saying like, you know, it's not your fault. Like, obviously people in your school district didn't do their job either.
- [75:38]
So I'm still working. I'm, like, working through that. I worked through that for almost a year. And at this point, it's like, summertime of 2024. And I'm also. I also have, like, some substance abuse issues as well at this time. Like, I.
- [75:54]
You know, I would go to therapy and, like, get all this stuff out, and then it would really, like, trigger a lot of memories that I had with her.
- [76:06]
That I either hadn't thought about her in years or, like, totally repressed, like, whatever. And so I would, like, go home, and I would. I would just drink and drink a drink. So I didn't. I didn't think about that kind of stuff. And so finally, I'm like, you know, I'm going to therapy. Like, I'm not really. I still feel, like, guilty about this, you know, eventually, like, start to kind of, like, apply what I'm doing to, like, my own fucking life, you know? Cause I, like, separated them so much for so long, and I'm like, you know, this. The abuse started in 2014 and ended in 2016 when I graduated for, like, legal purposes. But I had, like, 12 years since I turned 18 to report it.
- [77:01]
And that criminal charges and stuff could be filed. So I am, like, thinking about it, Like, I'm talking mad about it. I am. I, like, am looking through, like, what I had still saved from that time in my life. Like, in my phone, like, if I had any messages saved, like, pictures, whatever. I had some, like, a lot of stuff. I really would have liked to have, like, text messages between us.
- [77:30]
Like, that I didn't have anymore.
- [77:31]
B
Yeah.
- [77:33]
A
So I eventually am like, it. Like, I'm gonna go report it. Even if nothing happens. I reported it. I tried.
- [77:43]
B
So I'm sure to some degree that probably felt empowering for you.
- [77:46]
A
It did. So I finally go and report it. I try to go report it to Cuyah Falls first, and they're like, actually needs to be reported in town, which. That's where the abuse happened. And I'm like, oh, my God. Like, and this was after I sat there and, like, wrote out this full statement with Cuyahoga Falls, where they're like, actually, like, this is the wrong place. And I'm like, well, can you, like, send my statement there? And they're like, it might just be better for you to just go there. I'm like, awesome. Like, perfect.
- [78:14]
B
Let's write it again.
- [78:15]
A
Yeah. Right? So I.
- [78:19]
Go to Talmage, like, immediately after, because I'm like, I need to just do this. Like, I just need to get this over with. Like, I'm, like, very upset. Like, so I go into talmage, like, very upset. The officer that I talked to to was very nice. Like, he got me water, tissues, whatever, and, like, put me in a room and just, like, let me, like, write out. Write out everything that happened. And I was able to do, like, specific incidents and stuff based on, like, pictures I had, not of her or anything, but, like, of other stuff from that time that, like, had me remember. Like, oh, like, after this, we her and I did this. You know what I mean? So I go and I do that, and I'm like, okay. Like, he's like, okay, like, a detective will follow up with you. Because he was like, you know, do you want charges? And I'm like, if. If possible, like, yes.
- [79:14]
B
Yeah.
- [79:15]
A
So a detective gets assigned, and thankfully, it's like, the best detective in the department. Department. My opinion. He was a sergeant of the detective bureau. And he brought me in and did, like, a formal interview, like, with him and goes over everything. And then this dude, like, worked his ass off. He, like, sent out all these search warrants to try to get, like, any records that were left. Like, he, like, fought with the school district to get the records from their investigation because they, like, fought like, tooth and nail not to give that to him, I think, because they knew they up. Yeah, they didn't want a bad rep, right? So. And then he, like, had to get records from the Ohio Board of Education. And then he probably interviewed, like, every person that I. I knew that I was friends with at the time that I was around, like, when this relationship was happening, like, because obviously, like, people my friends were around me and, like, saw I was different and that, like, I was hanging out with her and, like, yeah, something wasn't normal, but, like, didn't know the full extent of it until after I was an adult. So he talks to all these people. Any people that they mention he talks to. Like, he. He talks in interviews. Like, so many people, like, and does, like, such a thorough investigation into this. Finally, like, this. And this is 10 years later after it started.
- [80:51]
And so finally, like, he gets, you know, records from the school and the Ohio Board of Education. And thank God the Ohio Board of Education got involved because they actually did, like, a full investigation back then, too. Like, they got her phone records. They, like, got a statement from her that they could, like, that we could use in court, like, all this other stuff. And so.
- [81:18]
It ended up getting indicted. So she got indicted on one count of sexual battery in, I think it was January of this year. And so she obviously, like, she lawyered up immediately. Like, even when he tried to talk to her, like, she wouldn't talk to the detective at all.
- [81:41]
So she goes in. Like.
- [81:45]
She doesn't have to like sit in jail or anything like that. Like, she like gets pay, like pays bond, like is out while this case is pending. You know, this is obviously like very stressful for me because I'm, you know, working as a prosecutor and doing my own stuff. And at this point in time I am in like our office's domestic violence prosecutor role. So I'm like seeing these cases every day of like domestic violence, like crimes against kids, like, stuff like that. And so I'm dealing with that. And then I'm also dealing with my own case. And I like made a point to go to every court date of hers because I'm like, this is not going away from you, like for you this time. Like, you may have got away with it like 10 years ago, but like I'm here now. Like, I'm coming mean everything. So I would like at least go on zoom, like even if it was just a pre trial or whatever, but like it's all the proceedings and stuff, I mean, it's still very like taxing on you to like sit there like in anticipation. Like.
- [82:52]
B
Well, I think too, it's like every time you're hearing it and dealing with it, it's like reliving it. Yeah, it's bringing it back up and opening the wound again, basically.
- [83:02]
A
And then like, you know, I.
- [83:06]
Would really want to go to these pre trials to like get some power back. I think I really wanted to go to all the hearings to get some power back and like know what was going on and whatever. And you know, I would even on zoom, like I'd go on these hearings and I'd have to see her. Yeah, and that's hard too, to see her. And then it's like, it's so strange because you, you know, you do all this work and like this person has caused so much trauma in your life, but there's still a part of you that's like, did I do the right thing? Like, like there's a part of me still that like felt bad for her even after all this time.
- [83:48]
B
I think the, the way to look at it in my opinion is like, you're doing it for your 16 year old self.
- [83:55]
A
Yes, absolutely. Yes.
- [83:57]
B
And like, obviously you're doing it for yourself now as well, like working through it and healing, whatever. But you know, like, even when you mentioned before like that you Wanted the closure from her of, like, why you? But I don't even think it has to be from her. I think for yourself, it's nice to know, like, oh, it happened to me because I'm doing something about it.
- [84:16]
A
Right.
- [84:17]
B
There could be a handful of people that would just blow it off and be like. And maybe fully blame themselves and be like, I was just like. Even though, yes, I was young, like, I wanted it, you know, and just keep it pushing. But, like, I think, you know, there needs to be more people that speak up about things like this.
- [84:33]
A
Right.
- [84:34]
B
Because it does take a major toll on your life.
- [84:36]
A
Oh, yeah, it does.
- [84:37]
B
You know, it messes with so many different aspects of who you are that you're not even able to fully, I think, understand and grasp until you get older. And then you start kind of going backwards and, like, dissecting. Oh, I feel this way because of this, this and this that happened to me, right?
- [84:53]
A
Yes, absolutely. And it's like, yeah. And it just. I just got to the point where I'm like, I don't want this to be something that fucking happened to me anymore that I. I didn't do anything about. Yeah. And obviously, like, you know, I hear. I've Obviously, you hear stories of people that you're like, my God, like, this happened to me with a kid. Like, nothing happened to them. And it just. It makes me feel bad for those people that, like.
- [85:23]
Either, like, don't feel strong enough or supported enough to go and, like, hold their abuser accountable or just, like, can't because too much time.
- [85:31]
B
Has passed, you know, so where does it stand now?
- [85:35]
A
So the court proceedings go on, and, like, my. The only person that, like, really was, like, fully supportive was.
- [85:45]
My work, because my work knew what was going on. So they're very supportive. They, like, you know, like, if I was having a hard day, like, because there are sometimes, like, stuff at work would, like.
- [85:58]
Bring back memory, like, and, like, I would go to in, like, a trauma reaction at work sometimes. And.
- [86:06]
A prosecutor's office is a very awkward place to have a reaction like that, too, because you're just like, there's just so many people up there and, like, cops and, like, whatever. And then obviously, Matt, like, has been a big support. He's, like, gone to all the meetings with the detectives, like, all the court things, like, whatever. But, like, you know, this whole thing's going on, and my parents are like, I just don't understand, like, why you did this, like, now. And, like, eventually my mom, like, kind of, like, my mom came around and was like, you know what? Fuck her. Like, she did this to you. Like, I hate that bitch. Like, she should go to prison. Like, so my mom finally came around and like, my mom did like, apologize for like, anything like that she did that like, led to this to happen. Like, and so, like, I. My mom, like, ended up being like, supportive through it. Like, I still don't think she, like, fully really understood, like, the gravity of it.
- [87:04]
B
Yeah.
- [87:05]
A
And like, how it like, has a. How it affects your life, like, as an adult.
- [87:10]
B
I think that might too be like a generational thing.
- [87:13]
A
Yes.
- [87:13]
B
It's like that disconnect of how things that happen to us do affect mental health. Right.
- [87:19]
A
Yeah. Yeah. But then like, my dad, like, and I don't know what I was expecting from my dad because like I had said earlier, like, she like, kind of befriended him, so I don't know if he like, was manipulated by her too, to an extent.
- [87:37]
B
Just once again, it kind of just gives me the thought that, like, if it was a man.
- [87:41]
A
Yes.
- [87:41]
B
Like, he view it differently.
- [87:42]
A
Right.
- [87:43]
B
It shouldn't be viewed any differently.
- [87:44]
A
I. I think if it was a man from the fucking get go, it would have been viewed by everybody differently, but.
- [87:51]
B
Right. It's crazy.
- [87:53]
A
Yeah. And it just. And that's another thing too, that I like, have really wanted to bring awareness of, like, by telling my story, is that.
- [88:04]
Women are just as up as men are and they do horrible things to kids too.
- [88:11]
B
And it's not any less damaging or any less serious.
- [88:15]
A
And like, I've just seen so many, like, disgusting comments and stories online, like, of like, male victims that come forward because they're abused by a female. And just how, like, people downplay that.
- [88:29]
B
Right. They're very dismissive about it.
- [88:30]
A
Yeah. And I'm like, that is just as damaging as a man doing that to a girl or a woman doing that to a woman or a man doing that to a boy. Like, what? What does it fucking matter? Like, at the end of the day, like, that person is a predator and they should be held accountable for that and that story should be taken seriously.
- [88:53]
B
Yeah.
- [88:55]
A
But anyway, so I, like, I did not get a lot of support from my dad. Like, he was very much like, oh, like. Because, like, Corey did come from, like, money. She had a family with money. Like, whatever. She. He was like, oh, like you're gonna get sued, like, for doing this. Like, yada, yada, yada. I don't know why you would do this now. Like, just like, very, like, not supportive of it. And like, I think too, your story.
- [89:23]
B
Goes to show people that there's no wrong or right time. Right. I think it's, you know, you weren't. Somebody cannot be ready at a certain time or they haven't gone through enough, you know, understanding of what happened to them to really be ready to press charges and bring it to the surface. You know, I think that, like, obviously there is kind of that shitty part with like the time frame of things, but besides that, within your own emotional and mental health, it's kind of like you might not even have known the full extent of it until this year, which is totally fine. That doesn't mean shut up about it because you figured it out too late.
- [90:01]
A
Right? Exactly. And it's like I, and I do feel bad for like, the people that like, do report late and like, yeah, eventually, like, charges like, can't be filed because there's not enough evidence. Like, that fucking sucks. And like, I was like, thankfully one of the cases where I had enough evidence saved and enough people that saw things that were strange and like the school invest whatever.
- [90:30]
B
Right. There was like some sort of prior proof there.
- [90:32]
A
Right. Yeah. So I, I mean, I'm one of the lucky ones, but like, not everyone is that.
- [90:37]
B
Yeah.
- [90:38]
A
Lucky with things. But so, you know, I'm going through these court processes and like the hearings and I'm. I'm not really getting a lot of like, like it. I'm still feeling like very like, shameful about everything. Like, because really because of how my dad, like, treated it. Like, I know it's one person, but it's like when that person is a parent, it just. It feels like it's like a million people.
- [91:04]
B
I think too, like, even if it was just one random person, it does. It's very easy to let these things make you question yourself.
- [91:11]
A
Right.
- [91:13]
So eventually I, you know, I'm going through this and I kind of get to the point where I'm like, I'm like talking to the prosecutor and she's like, you know, her attorney said that she would plea to like a non sex offender offense. And I'm like, at first I'm like, absolutely fudgeing. Not like she's a predator, yada yada. And then like, you know, I kind of stepped back and I like.
- [91:43]
Saw and thought about how long this has affected me and like, what I needed at this time out of this situation in this case, and like, what I needed to finally like.
- [91:57]
Close this chapter of my life. So I like, tell the prosecutor, I'm like, hey, like, I would be fine if she pled to like, A felony, like endangering children charge. So it was still like the same degree of felony that she was charged with. It ended up not being like a sex offender registry offense, but she's obviously with that kind of charge. Like you'd have a very hard time like working around children again. So you know.
- [92:28]
There'S a plea deal range where she, she pleads to that charge. And so sentencing gets set out to August 19th of this year. So a few weeks ago and I this, I think the sentencing is like the craziest part of the story. But I like have family. Well, it's my mom, my grandma, like wrote letters to the judge and then like I had some friends like that I knew back then and then like some friends that I've known now my adult life that have seen how this has affected me. They all write letters and you know, I like write my statement. I like, at first, like, I kind of didn't really know what I wanted to happen to her.
- [93:17]
The prosecutor set like set the plea out, set the sentencing out for a while so they could do like a pre sentence investigation, kind of like to get her some evaluations to see like, kind of what her life is like now. Because I had no idea, like it had been so long. Like, I didn't know what she was doing. Like, I just didn't know what she was like now. And so they.
- [93:42]
I have family and friends write these letters and then she.
- [93:48]
Does her evaluation. She does like a sex eval, whatever. And so the day before the sentencing, I like tell the prosecutor, I'm like, hey, like, I would really like to like at least like meet with you and hear like what her PSI says. Because I think that that is really going to.
- [94:10]
Like how I feel about her going to prison and how long and whatever. And so I met with a prosecutor the day before sentencing and Corey took so and take it for granted. Like this is after she pled guilty to a felony offense involving like causing harm to children. She took no responsibility for anything she did. Again.
- [94:37]
In her.
- [94:39]
Pre sentence evaluation, she called it a friendship.
- [94:44]
She said that she denied like having any kind of sexual attraction to girls. She said her type is, what was it? Tall, tall men with dark hair and a good personality. So like totally downplayed everything. Like told the evaluator, like, I don't even know why I'm like here for this. And then her defense attorneys, which I think is hilarious, she paid like $10,000 for like had her like get these, like go to a counselor for herself and like see what the Fuck's wrong with her? And, like, basically, like, she tried to say that she's still grieving from the death of her grandma that happened 10 years ago, even though her grandma died, like, after she started abusing me right in that, like, oh. She said that she gets a lot of stress and anxiety having to come to the Akron area for these court proceedings. So, like, it was just, like, still, like, all about her. She took no responsibility for anything whatever. So I, like, read these documents, and I'm like, this, like, any kind of remorse I had for her that where I, like, felt bad about, like, doing this now to her, like, thinking, I don't know, maybe she would have been like, a better person or, like, learned that she up, like, something that's, like, totally gone now. So I'm like that. And so this reading all this stuff makes me decide that I'm gonna, like, read my impact statement out loud in court. Because I think I was like, she needs to hear this, because her, you know, you're not even gonna acknowledge that you were in a relationship with me.
- [96:32]
B
Yeah.
- [96:34]
A
So I go. And she, like, has, like, her, like, this whole entourage of people there. Like, and it's her parents and her brother, obviously. And then it's like that, you know, that mom that I said would, like, hang out with us with her kids all the time. She was there with two of her kids who are, like, adults now, and, like, all these other people. Like, we're all. She had, like, 10 people there for. And then I'm like, I had, like, Matt there and then the detective that worked on my case. Like, that was all I wanted there. Like, I. I just didn't need. Like, I didn't need all that. Like, I wanted to read my statement and get the out of there. And so she, like, brings in this whole entourage of people. And I don't know, part of me is like, is it to support her? Is it to intimidate me? Like, what is this? Because, like, she's not taking any responsibility for it. So I'm sure she's not even taking responsibility in these court doc, like, in these court evaluations to try to make her not go to prison. Like, I'm sure she's not telling any of these people who are in the courtroom with her the truth of what happened. So they. She's all these fucking people there. And I.
- [97:53]
You know, the judge, like, looks at her evaluations, and she told her attorney, like, hey, like, have her be ready to, like, go into custody today. Like, this is even before sentencing. So I obviously Go into this knowing she's going to prison for some amount of time. And I go and read my statement. And it was very empowering to like, read my statement in front of her, in front of all these fucking people there. And I guess, like the whole time the people that were there for her were like, huffing and puffing and like rolling their eyes and shit. And so she. I read my statement. The judge was like, very nice. She was like, you know, this isn't your fault. Like, basically this is just as serious as now as it was 10 years ago. Made me feel, like, very evaluated. Yeah. And that like, and she said, like, you know, someone that was in a position of power that you should have trusted, like, took advantage of you. And she wasn't just in a position as an adult child, it was an adult child, a teacher student, and then a coach athlete. So she was very nice. And then Corey got up and read a statement and I'm like, I don't even know, like, after what I read on your evaluation stuff, like, I don't even know what like, you could have to say. And she basically, like, went on this big spiel about how, like, her life was turned upside down 10 years ago when she lost her teaching license and she totally did, like, another career change. And when she was a coach, she was like a really good coach and like went to all these conferences and trainings or whatever to be a good coach coach. I'm like sitting there like, first of all, you weren't a good coach, because a good coach doesn't their athletes, that's for sure. And she like, went on to say about how, like, since these court proceedings have been filed, like, her life has been on hold.
- [99:55]
And then she like, did some half assed, like, apology to me where she's basically like, I'm sorry, like, if I overstep my boundaries, whether that be like excessive communication outside of softball or like whatever else, like taking no acknowledgment that she abused me for so many years. It was like, it was, it was like the worst, like, statement like, that she probably could have read, like, out loud. Like, I can't believe that her attorneys, like, looked at that and was like, yeah, okay, like, go ahead. I would have been like, we're not reading that. Like, let me come up with something like, you're not reading that. And so she reads a statement. She feels like she obviously displays no remorse at all. And so the judge sentenced her to the max of three years in prison. So she is currently in the Summit county jail. Now waiting to be transported to prison. Wow.
- [101:00]
And that's kind of where it ends now. I mean, it's kind of been a whirlwind. Like, like, that day was just, like, so, like, crazy. Like.
- [101:13]
B
Yeah.
- [101:13]
A
They, like, took her into custody there. She didn't cry at all. And you think someone with no criminal history, like, that would be like, oh, my God, I'm going to prison. Yeah. Show some sort of emotion.
- [101:30]
Just, like, took three years in prison, like, on the chin, like. And, like, another thing she did in her statement to me, she. So my real name is Katie. Like, it's not Kathleen, it's not Catherine. It's not anything like that. But I have gone by Kate since I was in, like, middle school. So my parents call me Katie. Like, any friends that I have, like, before middle school, call me Katie. Anyone that knew me after, like, sixth grade calls me Kate, obviously. And so she, like, found out my name was Katie, like, back when we were together and, like, called me Katie as, like, a pet name almost. And then in her statement, she called me Katie, like, and made it a point to call me Katie, like, multiple times.
- [102:23]
B
Yeah.
- [102:24]
A
And I, like, Like, that. Like, that, like, really, really pissed me off because I'm like, it's like, is this a joke to you, like, or are you trying to act like you, like, so, like, weren't close to me at all that you're, like, calling me by my, like, official, like.
- [102:42]
B
Right.
- [102:42]
A
It was just, like. Just like that. But I. You know, at. At the end of the day, she got. She got what she deserved. I. Yeah, I think, you know, there's.
- [102:55]
B
No right amount of time for somebody that does something like that.
- [102:59]
A
Right.
- [102:59]
B
But I think that it does go to show that, you know, at least some consequences were handed to her.
- [103:05]
A
Right. You know? Yeah, absolutely.
- [103:07]
B
Now she have a record after this, and she was.
- [103:09]
A
Yep. Okay, so she'll have a felony record of endangering children, but not as a sex offender. Not as a sex offender. And that's kind of why I have wanted to.
- [103:21]
Speak about this, too, where it's like, I understand, like, she, you know, she won't be on the registry, but, like, if somebody fucking searches her name, like, I want them to know what the fuck she is and what she did and that she shouldn't be around kids.
- [103:36]
But.
- [103:38]
Yeah, I just. It's been a relief to have it all over, like, knowing that she is finally, like.
- [103:48]
Doing a prison sentence because. And, like, I was happy with the amount of time she had to, obviously, because it was the most she could Get. But I was, you know, abused and manipulated by her for almost three years. Yeah. So that's the least she could do.
- [104:05]
B
Right. But and I think too like you said, you know, not only are you potentially helping other younger girls, you know, from her, but in general I think that you are serving as kind of this example of.
- [104:19]
A
Right.
- [104:20]
B
Why it is okay to speak up even if it is years down the road and to not carry the shame and guilt even if you are a part of something like that. Because like, you know, like it was mentioned to you, you weren't in a position to know any better.
- [104:35]
A
Right.
- [104:35]
B
You have somebody that is, that you idolize, you know, in certain different ways. They're in a power of position, they're older, you have zero experience, you know.
- [104:44]
A
Right.
- [104:44]
B
It's like she took full advantage of that.
- [104:46]
A
Oh yeah. And I, I think she obviously picked up that like my mom wasn't around too.
- [104:51]
B
I was gonna say, yeah, you were.
- [104:53]
A
A good victim for her. You know, you didn't.
- [104:55]
B
You were leaning on her, her as you know, support and a friend and somebody that you could talk to. Right.
- [105:01]
A
Like what, what I needed at that time was a positive female role model.
- [105:08]
B
Yeah.
- [105:09]
A
And.
- [105:11]
If she was a normal person, she could have done that. But instead she took full advantage of it and.
- [105:20]
Used me for her own purposes. And it's like, you know, and I always think about like.
- [105:29]
How the, these people could do this. Right. And like normal people like us would never know. Right. But it's just like, you know, you get into a relationship with a kid, like what's your end game?
- [105:40]
B
I don't even think they think that far. I think it's a sick, twisted. Let me just get what I want.
- [105:47]
A
Yeah. Let me just.
- [105:49]
B
It's very self serving.
- [105:51]
A
Right.
- [105:51]
B
Selfish.
- [105:52]
A
Yeah. And it's like the other thing is with it too is like there's, there's obviously no way like she ever like she thought she was ever going to get in trouble for this. I think after a certain like, I.
- [106:05]
B
Don'T know, I'm sure she probably was like, oh, she's older now like. Because honestly like I mentioned to you, I don't think a lot of people would look back at your age and think I need justice for this.
- [106:16]
A
Right. Yeah.
- [106:16]
B
You know, I just don't. I think too especially because some people might know that it wouldn't be treated as serious.
- [106:23]
A
Right.
- [106:23]
B
As if it was a man. So they're like, why even waste my time? But that's what I'm saying. I feel like you having a positive Outcome from speaking out so many years later is such a good sign. It shows that something isn't. Like our system isn't completely broken. Right?
- [106:38]
A
Yes. And that's absolutely what I felt finally, because I felt failed by everybody.
- [106:46]
B
You were definitely failed by the school.
- [106:48]
A
Yeah.
- [106:48]
B
100.
- [106:49]
A
I think I was failed by my parents too. Yeah. And you know, I, I unfortunately have seen too like the. Just the justice system fail and not work and kids be scared or like Vic or victims in general be scared just to go through it and to do anything. Because it's a lot, like it was a lot for me to go through this now as an adult. Like.
- [107:16]
B
Right.
- [107:17]
A
I can't imagine what it would have been like for me at 16, 17, 8 or 18 years old.
- [107:23]
B
Especially if you feel like you don't have much support.
- [107:26]
A
Right.
- [107:26]
B
You know, and if you are being manipulated by your abuser.
- [107:29]
A
Right.
- [107:29]
B
Going to feel, you know, even if they're saying simple things like, oh, they'll never believe you or you wanted it to. You know, just those little manipulative statements could make somebody stay silent.
- [107:41]
A
Right. Yeah. And I, I think at a certain point too, like Corey was telling me, like, oh, like this is okay. Like, you know, if, if I wasn't your coach, like this would be okay because the age of consent, 16. And it's like. And it's just like it's so sick now because like I'm not even to the age yet where that she was when she did this to me. Like I'm 27, I'll be 28 next month. And like 16 year olds are so fucking young, like they are babies. And like, I just don't know how you could look at someone that. That's young and her mind's not well. Right.
- [108:18]
B
Like, that's the only answer. She's not well. She's sick.
- [108:22]
A
Right. And you know, it's just, it's also scary too to think about like how many of these like people, like I've heard them coined as like chameleons in society are like, are among us that we have no idea about.
- [108:40]
B
Like, or haven't acted on it yet or think about it. It's scary. Yeah, it's very scary.
- [108:45]
A
And it's just.
- [108:47]
Yeah, Yeah. I just. And it just, it's so scary too because I found out also that she, she's worked it probably like four or five different school districts, which I knew she worked at like a couple. I guess I didn't realize how many I knew she did work at one in Florida as well. And I'M like.
- [109:07]
I'm like. It just. What she did to me just didn't see. And I know, I know there is one confirmed incident that like, before me, but she was just so good at like, manipulating people around her. And I just, I just don't know if there's like any other victims of her out there. Like.
- [109:31]
B
Right.
- [109:32]
A
Or like what they think happened or if, if they think it was okay for whatever reason or if they think it's too late. But hopefully this, if, if there are other people out there, hopefully that.
- [109:45]
This incident with her and the fact that she went to prison helps give them some closure as well. That she's a very sick person and should sit there and think about what she did to me and to anyone else and whatever. And you know, I, I don't know if she will use her time to like, get help and like, do the programming they recommend because I, I think they're going to recommend her to do some sort of like, sex offender treatment in there.
- [110:15]
You know, I don't, I don't know if she's just going to continue to play this like, victim card and she might. And it's just very unfortunate for her that she doesn't want better for her life or to admit she's a problem. And I know, I can't imagine how hard it is to like, admit that you have a problem like that. Right.
- [110:37]
B
But like, I think we're a little past that.
- [110:41]
A
Yeah. But it's just like, I can't believe like, like all she had to do, like, was explained to me like, like the prosecutor's office was kind of like, you know, like, it's very rare in these cases where if it's like only a third degree felony for them, like, if they don't have a criminal record or whatever to like go to prison. And like, especially with how much time has passed. And I was kind of like, you know, okay. And then like, I also had a, like a victim rights attorney, like, when all this was pending too, because I was so afraid that shit was gonna get fucked up again. And he like, explained to me, you know, most of the time, like, if you have a client like that, like, you tell them to go in there and fucking take accountability for what they did or else you're going to fucking prison.
- [111:27]
B
Yeah.
- [111:28]
A
So it's just so crazy to me that like, that's the hill that she's gonna die on. Like, to take no responsibility. To rather go to prison.
- [111:38]
B
Yeah.
- [111:38]
A
For years than take any responsibility or even acknowledge that like this happened like that is. That is a fucked up person.
- [111:48]
B
Yeah.
- [111:49]
A
Like I. I don't know. Like if. If they're like, I would have if acknowledged some sort of responsibility to prevent myself from going to prison. But.
- [111:59]
B
Yeah, it's bizarre.
- [112:01]
A
Yeah, it was just.
- [112:02]
B
But I'm glad that there was some sort of consequence, you know, and that she was. Even if it's just, you know, I. I know you said the max was three years, but. Yeah, it's better than nothing, right? Honestly, it's like. And it's not. That isn't just a slap on the wrist.
- [112:15]
A
No.
- [112:16]
B
You know, it does. It forces you to have time to reflect and either she will or she won't. But regardless, you did. You stood up for yourself then and now.
- [112:25]
A
Yes, and I will continue to do so.
- [112:28]
B
You should. Absolutely. Yeah.
- [112:30]
A
That's about all I have.
- [112:32]
B
It's amazing.
- [112:33]
A
Thank you.
- [112:33]
B
Such a good job, really. I feel like you do such a good job telling your story.
- [112:37]
A
Thank you.