H.S. student charged with molestation for relationship with teen speaks out

SEBASTIAN, Fla. — For the first time, the high school senior arrested on charges of having a sexual relationship with her underage female classmate spoke out about her ordeal.

Kaitlyn Hunt, 18, could be labeled a sex offender for the rest of her life for a relationship the two girls said was consensual.

Her parents' online petition on Change.org to keep their daughter out of jail has gained more than 150,000 supporters.

WFTV reporter Renee Stoll was at the press conference to hear Hunt's side of the story.

Hunt may be facing some serious charges, but it was clear the 18-year-old is still a high-schooler when she broke down and clung to her parents while trying to talk about what she was going through.

The high school senior is facing charges because of her sexual relationship with a female classmate who is 15, a relationship Hunt said the teens have had since they were minors.

"I'm scared of losing my life, the rest of my life, not being able to go to college and be around kids, my sisters and my family," Hunt said.

Hunt could wind up being labeled a sex offender for the rest of her life. The family is considering a plea deal, but Hunt's attorney said the state isn't budging.

"For someone who's an honor student, a cheerleader, played varsity basketball, never been in trouble, it just seems really inappropriate to push the felony charges," attorney Julia Graves said.

The plea deal still includes felony charges and Hunt would have to go to sex offender counseling groups.

Hunt's attorney said it's unlikely they would accept a deal if the state labels her a felon, especially since many teens in Hunt's situation have had their charges dropped to misdemeanors.

Kelley Hunt-Smith, Kaitlyn Hunt's mother, said the situation is nothing she would hope for anyone else.

"Thank you from a mother's heart, thank you for standing up for Kaitlyn," Hunt-Smith said.

Hunt said she is scared, and hopeful for the best situation.

"I'm just thankful and grateful that all these people are by my side," Hunt said.

If the case does go to trial, there are still obstacles facing the state, one of which is getting the 15-year-old alleged victim to testify in court.

WFTV reached out to state attorney Bruce Colton about the case, but have not received a reply.

Hunt has until Friday to accept the state's plea bargain, but her parents said it would still label her as a sex offender.

WFTV.com will have continuing updates and instant breaking details on Eyewitness News.

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