A former Texas teacher has been sentenced to probation after admitting to an inappropriate relationship with a student and concealing the paternity of her child from her husband.
Shawnee Nicole Despain, 26, pleaded guilty in November 2024 to charges of an improper relationship between an educator and a student. The case stemmed from her involvement with a 17-year-old pupil at Rockdale High School, where she taught agricultural science.
The relationship came to light in September 2023 after an investigation uncovered evidence, including text messages and explicit Snapchat footage, which confirmed the inappropriate conduct. Despain resigned from her position shortly after the investigation began. DNA tests later revealed that her husband was not the father of her unborn child, a fact she initially concealed.
Despain was initially charged with child pornography and an improper relationship, offenses that could have resulted in up to 20 years in prison. However, during her sentencing hearing, District Judge John W. Youngblood opted for a 10-year probation term instead of prison time. As part of her plea deal, Despain forfeited her teaching license but will not face additional penalties typically associated with such offenses.
Milam County District Attorney Brian Price argued for a harsher sentence, emphasizing the power imbalance and long-term impact on the student. “She was in a position of power and trust over her students and used that to abuse this young man,” Price stated. “People in positions of authority should be held to a higher standard, not a lower one.”
The case has sparked debate over sentencing disparities in teacher-student misconduct cases, particularly regarding gender bias in judicial outcomes.omes.