DAVIS COUNTY, Utah – A former Davis County teacher who pleaded guilty to three counts of forcible sex abuse in connection with allegations she had sexual relations with students has written a letter to the judge in her case, saying she wants the judge to know more about “the real me” before sentencing.
Altice’s boyfriend has also written a letter to the judge, and in it he asks that she not serve further time behind bars.
Altice, 35, pleaded guilty earlier this month to three counts of forcible sex abuse, which are second-degree felonies. She faces sentences of 1-to-15 years in prison, and sentencing is scheduled for July 9 at 2:30 p.m. The letters to Judge Thomas Kay from Altice and her boyfriend were filed in court Friday, and the full documents are embedded at the bottom of this story.
In three handwritten pages, Altice says she is writing out of sincerity and not out of panic and because she wants the judge “to know a little bit about me, the real me, that in turn, I hope it helps you with this sentencing decision you have before you regarding me.”
Altice said she wants to take responsibility and feels “guilt and sorrow” and she said she thinks finding a solution is the best way to move forward. She said she has learned things about herself and her struggles and believes she can now have a “different mindset and create healthy motivation.”
She said the solution she wants to work toward is a cellphone and email technology bill that focuses on the venue of communication between teacher and student. She said that area is one where problems like hers can begin and then escalate.
“I’d like to be able to be an advocate, resource, and help the prevention of future situations such as this,” Altice writes, later adding, “I share this with you because I believe it shows the type of person I am and the how serious I am taking all of this. I do not want the precious time I’ve lost with my amazing children, my successful career, the time getting my life back on track, and this experience to be in vain. I want to, and can help!”
Altice acknowledges her teaching career is over, and says “ I will forever be sorry for my actions and the loss it has caused on all sides.” She said she wants good to come from this situation and states she is a “fighter and I’m worth the fight, and I will succeed.”
Altice states she made some bad choices over a short period of time and wants to show her children she can get up and learn from her mistake. She also asked the judge to consider incarceration in jail rather than prison.
“My family and I understand that the law and society expect a debt and retribution to be paid for the crime I pled guilty to. Some incarceration, probation and fine are likely. If more incarceration time is what you believe needs to happen, I ask that you PLEASE consider that it be further jail time not prison. This crime will not be repeated by me, that, I can guarantee.”
The woman said she will continue to seek one-on-one counseling, and she states in her letter she is harmless, not a threat and isn’t violent. She states she doesn’t use drugs or have a criminal history and says she has a home and job she would like to keep.
“I’d love to continue being the active mother I have always been and my children need. I see myself and my life in a new way. I know it doesn’t excuse what happened, but it can help mend it. I have not only the desire, but the capability of making a difference and positive change, which I fully intend to do once I walk out these doors. All I’m asking for is a chance Your Honor. You will not regret it.”
The letter from Altice’s boyfriend, Ed Porter IV, states he is a college graduate and working professional who has never been in trouble with the law, and he said he is writing on behalf of a woman he knows as a “loving mother, sister and daughter.”
Porter touts Altice’s academic and parental accomplishments and says she is a hard worker and employee who has not turned away from her faith but has used this as an opportunity “to grow and become stronger.”
The man states Altice’s family has also suffered during the judicial process, and he asked that she be allowed to be a mother who has the opportunity to attend her children’s activities.
He states: “Despite the accusations I believe she is neither a sexual predator nor a threat to the public as described by the prosecution. I do not believe she deserves prison or further jail time!”
The full text of both documents are below. Earlier this week, the Utah Attorney General’s Office asked a judge to dismiss a lawsuit filed by one of the alleged teen victims of Altice, saying the Davis School District is immune from the lawsuit. Click here for details on the status of the civil proceedings, and click here for FOX 13 News’ ongoing coverage of Altice and the allegations against her.
Brianne Altice Letter to Judge Thomas Kay
Letter From Ed Porter on Behalf of Brianne Altice
