Judge Rejects Plea Deal From Woman Accused Of Sexual Relations With Teens

A judge for the Seventh Judicial District of Idaho rejected a plea deal submitted by a woman in Idaho on Wednesday.

Amanda Katherine Steele, 34, had a plea deal with prosecutors over a case stemming from her arrest in November 2019 for having sex with teen boys.

The teenagers allegedly consented to encounters with her, though Steele was charged under state legislation, which claimed 16- to 17-year-old teens could not consent to sexual acts with adults if they were five years older.

She was charged with three felony counts of sexual battery involving a child committed by lewd conduct. However, according to the plea bargain, she agreed to admit to two counts of felony injury to a minor.

District Judge Darren Simpson stated evidence showing the alleged victims suffered bodily harm was needed before he could accept the plea bargain.

According to the New York Post, Judge Simpson indicated that he was not going to accept the plea based on what was termed as fiction. The judge had some concerns about being able to take the plea unless there was some factual basis.

Steele was taken into custody following a two-year investigation into claims that she had been having inappropriate relations with minors. The inquiry began in 2017 when the father in law contacted authorities concerning rumors she had been seen with a group of teen boys.

During the same time, one of the teens admitted to the deputies that they had engaged in sexual activities with Steele though he did not want to press any charges.

Detectives interviewed Steele in April 2018 and she did admit to having several boys at her home but refused to comment on whether she had sex with anyone.

The investigation intensified in July 2019 when her ex-husband walked in on her with a teenage boy snuggling in their hot tub.

One of the teens admitted to having sex with Steele while he was a minor. She has since been freed on a bond of $50,000 and her next court date is on September 30.