Former teacher Shelby Dawn Lashombe received deferred probation on Friday in a Waco district court. The ruling allows her to avoid a felony conviction if she follows all court terms. Judge Thomas West of the 19th State District Court approved the plea agreement. The deal was made with the McLennan County District Attorney’s Office.
The judge placed Lashombe, 25, on deferred probation for six years. He also fined her $1,000. She must spend four weekends in jail. Lashombe must also complete 60 days on a county prisoner work detail outside of custody.
West spoke directly to Lashombe and her attorney, Cody Cleveland. The judge said testimony from a boy’s father and a therapist prevented a longer jail term.
Lashombe worked as a teacher and coach at Valley Mills High School at her arrest. In April, she pleaded guilty to two counts of improper relationship between educator and student. Those charges are second-degree felonies carrying up to 20 years in prison.
Prosecutors dismissed two counts of sexual assault of a child in exchange for the pleas. Lashombe resigned from Valley Mills High School and surrendered her teaching certification. Officials said the boys, both 16 at the time, attended West High School and Axtell High School.
Courtroom Support and Legal Reactions
Lashombe now works at a Waco furniture retailer. Around 50 people attended the hearing to support her. The group included the father of one boy.
Cleveland said his client is pleased with the decision of the court.
She is ready to move on with her life. She is happy with the fact that she will not be a convicted felon and, by law, she does not have to register as a sex offender. She is ready to abide by the terms of her probation and put this behind her.
Cleveland said Lashombe previously taught at West and Midway schools. She knew both boys from her time in West. He noted the boys reached out on social media.
Assistant District Attorney Will Hix said prosecutors listened carefully to the victim and the family.
This was a unique case, and we carefully considered every fact, every circumstance and every possible outcome in consultation with law enforcement. Most importantly, we listened to the victim and the victim’s family, respected their wishes and worked to achieve the outcome they believed was right for them.
Investigation and Family Testimony
The McLennan County Sheriff’s Office investigated the case following an initial tip. A detective interviewed one teen, who confirmed multiple sexual encounters with Lashombe. Arrest documents state Lashombe admitted to the acts with both boys.
The parents of one boy offered conflicting testimony at the hearing. The father testified that his son is thriving, making good grades, and playing football. He stated his son does not feel victimized and should not see Lashombe jailed.
Therapist Gabrielle White testified that Lashombe was diagnosed with adjustment disorders, anxiety, and depression. White stated Lashombe will continue weekly counseling.
The boy’s mother later delivered a victim impact statement to the court. She said her son now suffers from depression, anxiety, and withdrawal from family members. She told the court Lashombe stole her son’s innocence through predatory actions.
Deferred adjudication probation allows a defendant to complete community supervision without a formal conviction. Courts dismiss the original charges upon successful completion of all probation conditions.
The sentencing resolves the criminal proceedings in McLennan County.
