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Guidance counselor sentenced to probation in sex charges

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By Valerie Lough, Staff Writer Updated 12:49 AM Saturday, April 9, 2011

SPRINGFIELD — A former high school guidance counselor who last month pleaded guilty to criminal charges after reportedly having sex with a 16-year-old male student was sentenced to five years probation Friday.

Kristin Mastin, 38, pleaded guilty in March to three counts of sexual battery. She had been accused of having sex with a male student three times between October and November of 2010.

In testimony presented by the defense before sentencing, psychologist James Reardon said Mastin experienced mental and physical illnesses that set off a “psychological decline” leading to the offense.

“This began the seeds of her downfall,” said Reardon. “She did things completely uncharacteristic of her.”

Clark County Prosecutor Andy Wilson, during cross examination, dismissed the defense’s argument.

“Lots of people have health problems ... those people aren’t out committing sex offenses,” said Wilson.

Mastin had been employed with Tecumseh Local Schools since 2005, most recently as a guidance counselor, and resigned shortly after pleading guilty last month.

She had been on sick leave since the allegations were reported last year, and officials planned to place her on unpaid leave after the guilty plea, officials said.

Contact this reporter at (937) 328-0360 or vlough@coxohio.com.

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