In Statutory Rape Case Involving Teacher and Student, Judge Asks Courtroom, 'What Young Man Would Not Jump On That Candy?'

Some of the most destructive cases of statutory rape involve teacher-student relationships which can create lingering and devastating impacts on the mental and physical health of students involved. Yet often these cases are not taken seriously by the general public.

An incident out of Bucks County, Pennsylvania shows why. There, a high school teacher named Erica Ginnetti was convicted today for having sex with a 17-year-old male student. She was given a light sentence of 30 days in jail followed by 60 days of house arrest. Perhaps the most shocking moment of the trial was when judge seemed to trivialize the entire scenario by comparing Ginnetti to a piece of candy that any male student couldn't resist:

The judge Friday compared the suggestive photos and videos Ginnetti sent to the student and engaging in sex with him “like dangling candy” in front of the teen. “What young man would not jump on that candy?” said the judge.

The judge's lackadaisical attitude could explain why the sentencing was so relatively light.

A similar case last month led to a six-year jail sentence for a teacher. The student in this case has reportedly faced abuse on social media and has seen his grades plummet since the relationship with Ginnetti was made public.