ALFRED — The fate of former Kennebunk High School health teacher Jill Lamontagne now rests with the jury following closing arguments in her sexual assault trial.
Closing arguments in the 14-count criminal case against the teacher wound down shortly after noon.
Assistant District Attorney Nicholas Heimbach reviewed the testimony that painted a picture of a relationship that started with a teacher helping a student – but then changed.
“This is not just about sex, but about power, authority and manipulation, “ Heimbach told the jury. “This is about a female defendant and a male victim. This is about a 28-year old adult — a mentor, life coach, a school “Mom” — in a position of authority who manipulated and took advantage of a 17-year-old.”
Lamontagne, now 30, is accused of sexually assaulting the alleged victim, who was 17-years-old when she began assisting him with his school work so he could graduate that year. He is now 19, and testified earlier this week that he and Lamontagne had engaged in a sex acts in a closet in her classroom and in her home. He testified that he believed the two were in love.
Lamontagne has denied the charges. She took the stand in her own defense Wednesday afternoon and her testimony continued on Thursday morning, She said she helped the teen with his school work and was also aware of his emotional state.
“It is preposterous to think that Jill Lamontagne would destroy her career, and destroy her family to run away with a 17-year-old,” said Lamontagne’s defense attorney Scott Gardner in his closing arguments.
Gardner pointed out that on the two occasions the alleged victim said sex acts took place in Lamontagne’s home, a former colleague and her children’s daycare provider testified she was with them.
Gardner noted that the alleged victim’s family had filed civil papers regarding the allegations.
“This trial is the first step to what could be a big payday for (the alleged victim’s) family,” Gardner said.
Lamontagne is charged with six Class C felony counts of gross sexual assault, two Class D misdemeanor counts of unlawful sexual contact and six Class D misdemeanor counts of sexual abuse of a minor.
— Senior Staff Writer Tammy Wells can be contacted at 324-4444 (local call in Sanford) or 282-1535, ext. 327 or twells@journaltribune.com.
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