Former High School Teacher Sentenced to Life in Prison for Raping Student

Wednesday, Aug. 28, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

The victim testified Tuesday at the sentencing hearing of Joseph Peterson, a 51-year-old former teacher who was sentenced to life in prison. He originally was accused of raping her several times over a two-year period, but agreed to plead guilty to one count of sexual assault in April in exchange for dismissal of three counts.

"I just feel that since this has happened, I've been the one that had to deal with a prison sentence ... because of the ridicule and the whispers," she said through tears. "It's hard to work because people make comments. It's hard to go to the grocery store."

Peterson quietly apologized to the court and to his victim before being led away as his young wife, with whom he has a 15-month-old child, sobbed hysterically and called out, "I love you."

Defense attorney Charles Kelly asked for leniency, noting Peterson's 22 years of teaching in Pahrump and letters of support from family and friends.

"This case is a tragedy. It's a tragedy for everyone involved," Kelly said. "This man has some merit, judge. The loyalty that people have demonstrated ... suggests that perhaps this man can return to his family."

Peterson, who will be eligible for parole in five years, could have received a sentence from five years to life.

He has a 28-year-old son and 10-year-old daughter from two previous marriages. His second and third wives were both former students.

"The thing that bothers me about this case ... is how a man of your education and training could take it upon yourself to devastate the victims and the parents of the victims," said District Judge John Davis, who presides in this county seat 200 miles northwest of Las Vegas.

"The trust that you violated - I can only place myself in how I would feel if this were my daughter."

Peterson, who was suspended from teaching upon his arrest in November 1994, was fired after he entered into the plea bargain. He will not be allowed to teach again if released.

Supporters of the victim, who contend the Nye County School District has permitted an environment conducive to sexual harassment, said they hope the ruling would serve as a deterrent for other potential offenders.

The Nye County Sheriff's office has logged interviews with more than 60 women whose stories span Peterson's tenure at Pahrump Valley High School, located in the 15,000-person town of Pahrump about 60 miles west of Las Vegas.

School officials have admitted they heard reports over the years that Peterson had inappropriate contact with students, but contend there was little they could do because the girls refused to go on record.

Investigators have since learned that Peterson allegedly bribed girls by buying them gifts, taking them on trips, giving or loaning them money and promising good grades. Those who rebuffed him were threatened with bad grades.

"He would buy her gifts. He would build her up," Deputy District Attorney Kirk Vido said Tuesday. "Then (he would) express to her it was time for quid pro quo."

Peterson served as yearbook and senior class adviser and coached volleyball, softball and girls' and boys basketball. He was stripped of coaching duties in 1990, although school officials contend it had nothing to do with reports of misconduct with team members.

In early 1994, Peterson was suspended for five days without pay because a student complained about advances he made toward her, but critics still felt that wasn't enough.

Terri Miller, a Pahrump mother who forbade her daughter to take any of Peterson's classes or participate in activities he led, tracked down alleged victims and urged them to come forward. The 1994 graduate who testified Tuesday is the only one Peterson has been formally charged with raping.