Teacher Who Showed Students The ABC’s of Death Sentenced to Jail Time

We have learned via The Columbus Dispatch that Sheila Kearns, a substitute teacher who recently sat on trial for showing the 2012 anthology horror film The ABC’s of Death to a Spanish class for which she was substitute teaching has been sentenced to jail time for disseminating matter harmful to juveniles. Kearns does not speak Spanish and thus would frequently show films to the class rather than providing course instruction. We previously reported on the beginning of the trial here.

The judge said that he would delay the date by which Kearns must report to jail (April 10th) if she appeals the ruling, which Kearns’ attorney says that she plans to do. Kearns was also sentenced to three years of probation.

Kearns claimed that her back was to the screen at the time the film was being played and she was not aware of the violent nature of the picture she had elected to show the class. She also said that she was under the impression the film was in Spanish–thus providing educational value. Kearns showed the film to students on April 11, 2013 but the trial to determine if she’s on felony counts of disseminating matter harmful to juveniles began this week. Each charge carries a penalty of up to one year in prison. She was found guilty on four charges but has yet to be sentenced.

The school administration caught wind of what was happening when a student reported that Kearns was showing R-rated movies to the class of 14-18 year olds. However, The ABC’s of Death is actually unrated. The Ohio Department of Education then permanently revoked her substitute teaching license.

Kearns was let go from her position almost immediately after the administration learned what she was doing. We will have more on this case as it is revealed.