Mom who urged daughter into school fight sentenced

December 12, 2006

By MARY AMES/Frontiersman

PALMER -A mother denying she did anything except break up a fight between her daughter and another sixth-grade girl in March accepted her sentence, including five days in jail, Monday.

Martha Hunter, 36, pleaded no contest to one count of contributing to the delinquency of a minor and received a 30-day jail sentence, with 25 days suspended, and three years probation. As part of a plea agreement with the state, charges of fourth-degree assault, second-degree criminal trespass and disorderly conduct were dismissed.

District Court Judge William Estelle also ordered Hunter to take a parenting class and perform 40 hours of community work service in the next year.

On March 30, Hunter and her identical twin, Mary Bright, brought Hunter's daughter to Wasilla Middle School shortly before classes started. Bright and Hunter encouraged the 12-year-old to fight with an 11-year-old girl, according to a report from Wasilla police. Bright was convicted by a jury in October and sentenced by Estelle in November. But Estelle rejected Hunter's original plea agreement, which did not include any jail time, as lacking a message of community condemnation.

Jon-Marc Peterson, assistant district attorney, said the court was very familiar with the case. Hunter, being the parent, bears the most responsibility, he said.

Leslie Dixon, Hunter's appointed attorney, said the new sentencing agreement addressed the judge's previous concerns.

&#8220Five days in jail sends a message,” Dixon said. &#8220That's more than a first DWI.”

A parenting class would help Hunter improve her parenting, and community work service would allow Hunter to give back to the community, she said.

At trial, witness testimony revealed Hunter's daughter had lied about the other girl slapping her the day before and telling her mother and aunt the school authorities did nothing about it.

Although she accepted her sentence, Hunter maintained she only brought her daughter to school to protect her.

&#8220I broke it up as soon as I saw the fight,” Hunter said. &#8220I didn't know it would happen.”

Hunter said she didn't tell her daughter to fight, and she never would.

&#8220Neither would my sister,” she said. &#8220I just need y'all to know that. She lied about being slapped.”

Hunter did not say why she and her sister took the girl home immediately after the fight without contacting anyone at the school. Hunter, Bright and the child only returned to the school after authorities called Hunter at home and requested they return to speak with the principal, according to the police report.

Judge Estelle asked Hunter why her daughter fought with no encouragement if she had lied about the situation.

&#8220What motivated her other than you being there?” Judge Estelle said. &#8220You didn't report it. You didn't check in at the office. Why didn't you check in?”

Hunter said she was going to.

What message does it send when a parent doesn't report an allegation of an assault, doesn't call in to make an appointment with the principal or counselor and &#8220just happens to be around” when a fight happens, the judge said to Hunter.

&#8220This is not a shopping mall,” Judge Estelle said. &#8220It's a school. The police have more power and the place is more protected. The victim's parents said it was their worst nightmare.”

Judge Estelle told Hunter he hoped she would find something in the experience that would help her daughter and help Hunter to help the community. Maybe the next time Hunter goes into a school she would see the signs saying visitors must check in, he said.

&#8220The schools are at risk for being sued,” Judge Estelle said. &#8220They have to have people check in. It's not just about you.”

Hunter will begin serving her sentence at Cordova Center on Feb. 1.

Contact Mary Ames at

352-2284 or mary.ames@ frontiersman.com.