Judge: Lafave can stay off probation

A Hillsborough County judge ruled Wednesday morning that Debra Lafave will stay off probation despite appeals by prosecutors.

The State Attorney's Office filed a motion Tuesday asking a judge to stay the decision to end Lafave's probation four years early, but that was denied.

“I’m not going to require her to continue to report to probation and do all the things probationer does,” Judge Wayne Timmerman said. “I’ve made my ruling, and I’m standing by that ruling.”

In 2005, the former Greco Middle School teacher was sentenced to three years of house arrest and seven years of probation after she pleaded guilty to having sex with a student.

The victim's family was adamantly against early termination of her probation. They say the plea agreement included a clause that stated Debra couldn't even ask for early termination.

Prosecutors said they will now take their case to the second district court of appeals.

Lafave is a mother of twin boys now. Her attorneys argued that her probation curfew makes it difficult for her to be a parent.