Washington Teacher Accused of Sexual Assault on Student in Classroom Closet
A high school teacher in Washington state has been arrested and charged after allegedly sexually assaulting a 16-year-old student inside her classroom closet, with court documents revealing she cited a 'sexless marriage' as part of her motivation. Madeline Gregory, also known as Madeline Scoon, a 29-year-old married teacher at Sprague High School in Sprague, was taken into custody on Monday following the disturbing allegations.
Allegations of Prolonged Abuse and Coercion
According to court papers reviewed by the Daily Mail, Gregory is accused of sexually assaulting the teenage boy on school grounds after they developed a close relationship last year. Investigators state that both Gregory and the student admitted to a months-long sexual relationship, with the boy claiming she threatened suicide if he attempted to end it.
Gregory reportedly told investigators that the pair engaged in mutual groping and that she performed oral sex on the student multiple times inside the closet of her classroom. The Cheney Free Press further reported that alleged assaults also occurred in a gym closet and in bushes adjacent to the school's tennis court.
Legal Context and Authority Abuse
While the age of consent in Washington is 16, state law explicitly prohibits adults in positions of authority from having sexual relationships with teens in their care, even if those teens are at or above the age of consent. This legal provision forms the basis for the charges against Gregory, highlighting the abuse of her authoritative position as a teacher.
Detailed Evidence and Surveillance Footage
Court documents reveal that deputies obtained surveillance footage showing Gregory and the student entering her classroom after hours, where they remained behind closed doors for 45 minutes. The affidavit also notes that a friend of the alleged victim told police Gregory mentioned plans to divorce her husband because she 'won't have sex with him.'
The teenager reportedly told officials he was initially content with the relationship but later felt it was wrong and attempted to end it. He claimed Gregory would become upset and threaten self-harm when he tried to break things off, leading him to experience suicidal thoughts and welcome law enforcement intervention.
Discovery and Investigation Timeline
Deputies were alerted by another high school teacher who noticed Gregory and the boy 'spending a lot of time together' at the beginning of the school year. Gregory, who also served as a tennis coach, allegedly began giving the student private lessons after hours.
Another youth, identified as Jackson Blanton, warned the boy's mother about the inappropriate relationship, stating he had seen text messages where the pair exchanged declarations of love. Blanton claimed Gregory texted the teen expressing hope they would be together 'forever' and that she was getting a divorce due to her marital situation.
Text Message Evidence and Additional Incidents
The boy's mother searched his phone after receiving the warning and discovered numerous intimate texts between her son and the teacher. In one exchange, Gregory allegedly responded to a photo of the boy's room with: 'I just long to be there next to you.' Other messages included compliments like 'You're very good looking' and 'I love you. You're my favorite.'
Further investigation revealed that in December, the boy disappeared for five hours after claiming he was going to a nearby Walmart. His mother tracked his vehicle to the store parking lot, where it remained for over four hours. Police surveillance footage showed the boy parking his car and entering a Subaru matching Gregory's vehicle, with a blonde woman resembling Gregory seen behind the wheel.
School Incident and Physical Evidence
In February, a deputy responded to the school and found Gregory at her desk 'looking nervous.' The boy, who was not home at the time, called the officer to inquire about the police presence, then contacted his mother 'in a panic.' When he returned home, his mother observed he was covered in 'grass stains, sticks and dirt as if he was hiding in bushes or rolling around on the ground.'
Court papers suggest this incident indicates Gregory and the student were secretly meeting alone after other students had left the school premises.
Legal Proceedings and School Response
Gregory appeared in court earlier this week and pleaded not guilty to charges of sexual misconduct with a minor and communicating with a minor for immoral purposes. She posted a $50,000 bond, which was paid by her father, who serves as Chief Financial Officer of a timber company.
The Sprague School District issued a statement acknowledging the seriousness of the allegations and confirming full cooperation with the Sheriff's Department investigation. The district noted that due to the ongoing law enforcement investigation, they are limited in what information they can share publicly at this time.
The Daily Mail has reached out to Gregory for comment regarding the allegations and charges.
