Former Teacher Accused Of Child Rape

Former contract teacher Jennifer Rice, who worked for several South Sound school districts, has been accused of child rape, reported KIRO 7 Eyewitness News.

Police said Rice, 31, was arrested Saturday evening, accused of five counts of first-degree child rape and four counts of first-degree child molestation. Rice was charged with one count of second-degree kidnapping Monday.

Authorities said the alleged victim is a 10-year-old boy who was Rice’s former student at McKinley Elementary.

Investigators said the teacher made plans to run away with the boy over the weekend.

Police said Rice left with the boy early Saturday morning. When the boy was discovered missing, his parents notified police, who prepared to issue an Amber Alert when Rice dropped the boy off at his uncle’s house in Puyallup.

“They took off together. They drove east of the mountains, then returned later the same day. The young man contacted his family saying he was OK,” Officer Mark Fulghum said.

According to charging documents, Rice and the boy made it as far as Ellensburg then turned around after Rice was contacted by police and warned an Amber Alert had been issued targeting her car.

Authorities said that at the time, the boy claimed to have run away from home.

Police said Rice returned home, where she was contacted by detectives.

Tacoma Schools said Rice was hired in October 2006 as a contract replacement to replace a teacher who had to leave after the school year began.

In April 2007, school officials said, Rice was placed on paid administrative leave for socializing with students after school hours in violation of district policy. She did not return to class. The school district said they conducted an investigation, and in July notified the teacher that she would not be asked back to teach.

Leann Albrecht of Tacoma Schools said Rice’s behavior “raised concerns," and that she does not know if the inappropriate socializing involved the alleged 10-year-old victim.

Rice was charged Monday afternoon with first-degree kidnapping with sexual motivation and more charges are expected, KIRO 7 Eyewitness News reported.

According to probable cause documents, Rice confessed to having sex with the 10-year-old boy, including one instance in his bedroom.

Rice is being held on $500,000 bail.

She could face 25 years in prison if convicted.