Heather Adams

A former Washington High School teacher pleaded guilty to having sex with a student Monday morning before jury selection started in her sexual exploitation trial.

Heather Adams, 42, a former chemistry teacher, pleaded guilty to one count of sexual exploitation by a school employee, an aggravated misdemeanor. She is accused of having sex with an 18-year-old student May 6, 2012.

Assistant Linn County Attorney Lisa Epps said Adams requested a deferred judgment and the judge granted it. Adams was given two years probation and will be listed on the state’s sex offender registry for 10 years. Adams had no prior criminal history.

According to a criminal complaint, police responded to a report of a suspicious vehicle in the 300 block of 28th Street Dr. SE  and found a naked 18-year-old man in the front seat of an SUV and Adams, who was also “naked and hiding in the back seat.” Both admitted they were engaged in sexual activity, according to the complaint.

Adams resigned from her teaching position for “personal reasons” after her arrest. She had taught chemistry at Washington High for 18 years.

Adams’ teaching license is valid until 2020, according to the Iowa Board of Educational Examiners website.

Darcy Lane, attorney/investigator for the board, said Friday she couldn’t say if there is a complaint filed against Adams because those aren’t made public until the board sets a hearing. In some cases, if it involves criminal charges the board will delay action until the charges are resolved.