Dana Viktoria Snyder began her position as a substitute teacher at Luther Jackson Middle School last January. By March, the 24-year-old teacher was involved in a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old male student.
"She and the victim had … intercourse seven times," said Assistant Commonwealth's Attorney Ian M. Rodway, during Snyder's plea hearing on Monday, Aug. 15 in Fairfax County Circuit Court. Rodway said the 24-year-old teacher and student had sexual contact on seven other occasions.
When Judge Dennis J. Smith asked her how she wished to plead to two counts of carnal knowledge of a 14-year-old child on March 26 and April 4, Snyder replied, "Guilty, sir," with her hands held behind her back.
Snyder, who has a Master's degree, faces a maximum penalty of 10 years on each count — up to 20 years in prison. She is currently free on bond.
<b>POLICE RECEIVED</b> information on April 9 that Snyder, who had lived in the Mantua area of Fairfax County, was involved in the sexual relationship.
Snyder turned herself into Fairfax County Police on April 11.
The prosecutor described how Snyder carried out her meetings with the 14-year-old.
"The defendant met the victim outside of his parents' house," Rodway said. She then drove him back to her house where they engaged in sexual relations before she drove him back to his house before his parents awoke, said Rodway.
Snyder entered her guilty plea with the understanding that the commonwealth won't bring any additional charges against her in this case, and that her bond won't be revoked before her sentencing, which is scheduled for the fall.
The defendant, Rodway said, now lives in Pennsylvania with her parents, who were with her in court. Her father gave her a pat on the back as she stood to face the judge.
"There is no contact [with the victim]," Rodway said, indicating no need for a restraining order.
Snyder, who is represented by Wayne D. Berthelsen, was hired by Fairfax County Public Schools in September 2003 after a full background check was performed.