Mackenzie Naught, a 25-year-old former elementary school teacher, has pleaded guilty to first-degree sexual misconduct with a minor. The plea agreement, reached Friday, could result in a jail sentence of six to 12 months. Naught was arrested in May after her husband discovered messages between her and a 16-year-old boy.
As part of the deal, Naught will also be required to register as a sex offender for 10 years, and a five-year protection order has been issued for the minor. She is currently being held at the Whitman County Jail pending her sentencing, scheduled for August 28.
The victim, whose family is reportedly acquainted with Naught's family, informed Naught's husband, Garrett, about the encounter. The teen told investigators he had been messaging Naught and her husband on Snapchat. After Garrett fell asleep, the teen alleged that Naught became flirty and initiated contact.
According to a probable cause affidavit, the teen picked up Naught around 2:15 a.m. She allegedly asked him to drive her to a rural area. While in the truck, Naught reportedly kissed the teen and touched him over his pants. The affidavit states that the teen moved from the driver's seat to the passenger seat, where Naught then climbed on top of him and attempted to perform a sex act. The teen reported feeling uncomfortable and struggling to comply with her demands.
The encounter then reportedly moved to the bed of the pickup truck, where Naught continued her alleged advances. The teen eventually ended the encounter and drove Naught back near her home around 4 a.m.
Naught initially denied physical contact, accusing her husband of infidelity. However, she later confessed to messaging the boy while intoxicated, meeting him, and engaging in sexual activity in the truck. She expressed remorse, stating she was "really sorry" and "knew it was wrong."
Naught, a mother of one, taught first grade at St. John-Endicott Cooperative Schools. Her husband, Garrett, works as an assistant track coach at the high school where the victim is enrolled. Naught cited marital issues, including alleged infidelity and anger, in her statements to police, suggesting it was "time for them to get divorced."
The Whitman County Prosecutor's Office stated that the guilty plea is a significant step in holding Naught accountable and spares the minor the trauma of testifying at trial. They affirmed their commitment to supporting the victim and his family.
