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ALBANY---Albany County Court Judge Stephen  Herrick has determined that Sandra "Beth" Geisel is no danger to the community and will register with the New York State Sex Offenders Registry as a Level 1 sex offender---the lowest risk level.
The former English teacher at Christian Brothers Academy admitted to having sex with a 16-year-old male student on three occasions in May, including once on school grounds in the press box of the football stadium.
She had been indicted in September for three counts of third degree rape and one count of performing a criminal sexual act but in a plea bargain, she pleaded guilty to a single count of rape and was sentenced to six months in jail.
Geisel is expected to be released from the Albany County Jail later this month on completion of her sentence. She has been incarcerated since August after her bail was revoked when she was charged with driving while intoxicated. In addition to being required to register as a sex offender, Geisel will also undergo alcohol and substance abuse counseling and will be on probation for 10 years.
Registered sex offenders in New York are classified by the risk of re-offense. A court determines whether an offender is a level 1 (low risk), 2 (moderate risk) or 3 (high risk and a threat to public safety exists). The court also determines whether an offender should be given the designation of a sexual predator, sexually violent offender of predicate sex offender. Offenders registered on or after March 11, 2002 register for a minimum of 10 years unless they have been given a designation. If they have been given a designation, they register for life. Level 1 and 2 sex offenders registered prior to March 11, 2002 register for 10 years while level 3 offenders register for life.
Upon release to the community following a conviction for a registerable offense, the sex offender is required to register with the Division of Criminal Justice Services. In order to determine the level of community notification and duration of registration, a hearing is held by the sentencing court. After examining the facts in the particular case, including, but not limited to, the use of force, weapons, alcohol or drugs, victim's age, number of victims, assault or injury of the victim and relationship to the victim, the court makes a determination regarding the offender's level of notification, commonly called the risk level. The risk level is based on the court's assessment as to whether a particular offender is likely to repeat the same or similar registerable offense and the danger the offender poses to the community. Because the risk level reflects factors unique to a particular sex offender, offenders convicted of the same offense may receive different risk levels. 12-01-05
© 2005 North
Country Gazette
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