Casper Woman Pleads Guilty To Sexual Abuse Of A Student
A Casper woman pleaded guilty to having a sexual relationship with a male high school student four years younger than her during a hearing in Natrona County District Court on Wednesday.
Cheyanne Payseno entered the plea to one count of third-degree sexual abuse of a minor, which was changed from a previous harsher count of second-degree sexual abuse of a minor.
Assistant District Attorney Brett Johnson submitted the amended information to Natrona County District Court Catherine Wilking during the change of plea hearing.
Unlike a change of plea heard earlier Wednesday in which the defendant assaulted a teenage girl who was asleep, Payseno's case involved consent and she and the victim were much closer in age, Johnson said.
Under the terms of the plea agreement, she would not serve prison time if she successfully completes a nine-month program at the Casper Re-entry Center and probation, Johnson said. The length of probation, and potential jail time if she violates it, will be determined later.
Payseno pleaded not guilty in June.
If her case were to go to trial and a jury convicted her, she could face up to 15 years imprisonment.
The case began in December when the underage male victim, who was born in 2000, told Casper police officers he would call the school, excuse himself, and have sex at Payseno’s residence.
When interviewed, Payseno admitted to the encounters, and stated she was aware that the victim was underage.
She remains in custody.