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Teacher taped talking about relationship with student
| Tuesday, Jan 15 2008 6:25 PM
Last Updated: Wednesday, Jan 16 2008 9:00 PM
A Garces Memorial High School teacher spoke about his sexual conduct with a 17-year-old student and his feelings for her during a phone call the student made to him, according to police reports.
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Marshall David Neal also told the student to lie to police about what happened between them, not realizing police were recording their conversation, according to the reports in Kern County Superior Court.
"If we just say that we kissed that we made out, at most we made out we kissed we just kind of held and caressed each other then that's not statutory rape," Neal said. "And that saves me from a hell of a lot of trouble."
Neal, 33, has been charged with two felony counts of oral copulation with a person under age 18. He is on administrative leave and out of jail on $100,000 bond after being arrested in mid-December.
Bakersfield police filed reports including interviews with the alleged victim, a transcript of the phone conversation and several e-mails between Neal and the student in court.
The Californian does not identify victims of alleged sex crimes.
At one point during the conversation with the student, Neal says he has ruined his career and reputation over the relationship. He tells the students he guesses that makes him committed to her.
"I basically sold the rest of my life down the river for the past three weeks," Neal said. "I guess that makes you the golden child of my life."
In an e-mail sent to the student Dec. 15, Neal wrote he doesn't think the relationship was completely wrong because they respected each other.
"I don't think love is wrong in itself; and our love was heavy on respect," Neal wrote. "I wish everyone understood that. But everyone only sees the ages."
"Well, love laughs at locksmiths," he continued.
Neal has taught at Garces for 10 years. He teaches world history, computer classes and coaches the debate team.
His arraignment was scheduled for 8:30 a.m. Thursday.