Weakley says after initially denying a relationship, VanHoutte eventually admitted to having sex with the 15-year old on four occasions at his house in Moline.
Weakley testified he was read his Miranda Rights, and made the admissions during a four hour videotaped interview, and in a five page written statement.
VanHoutte took the stand at Monday’s hearing and testified that Weakley lead him to believe that if he told the truth he might keep his teaching job and be offered leniency by prosecutors, after the detective offered words like ”he would have my back”, and ”he would go to bat for me”, VanHoutte said.
”I thought after shaking his hand and feeling like this was somebody who was on my side, and I had somebody who was going to help me”, VanHoutte said of the detective.
But VanHoutte admitted he was never promised anything by police, and Judge Mike Meersman ruled VanHoutte’s interrogation was ”correct” and ”textbook”.
”He lead you to the water, and you drank it”, Judge Meersman said in explaining his ruling to allow the police statements.
A plea hearing is set for next Thursday. If the case goes to trial, it is scheduled May 17th.
