WOMAN WHO MARRIED TEEN GUILTY OF RAPE

Lisa Lynnette Clark, a 37 year old Georgia woman, has been charged with child molestation for allegedly having a sexual relationship with a 15 year old boy whom she married in November 2005.  Members of the boy's family said Clark is pregnant with the boy's child.  The relationship had been going on for nearly two years.  The boy, who married the mother of one of his friends, said the relationship was consensual and he's in love with her.  Clark has been charged with child molestation.  She was arrested the day after she married the boy in the driveway of a retired probate judge's home November 8.  The two were wed under a Georgia law that allows a pregnant woman to marry the father without consent and regardless of age.  Georgia law on child molestation says that a person under 16 legally cannot consent to a sexual act.

Clark pleaded not guilty on February 24, 2006, to charges of statutory rape, child molestation and enticing a minor.  She gave birth to a baby boy in early February.

On March 15, Clark was sentenced to 9 months in jail.  She was also forbidden to have any contact with her teenage husband until at least his 17th birthday.  She will also not be allowed contact with any children other than her own, and will be required to register as a sex offender.  If she violates any of the conditions, she could face 20 years in prison.  The boy's grandmother has said her grandson will seek a divorce and undergo intense counseling.

(Georgia)