A 45-year-old Louisiana woman, Leann Yammarino, who was heavily involved in her daughter’s school cheerleading squad, has been sentenced to 26 years in prison for engaging in sexual activities with a 14-year-old boy from her daughter’s school. Yammarino pleaded no contest to the charges, which also included sexting at least five other teenagers.
The case came to light when the 14-year-old boy, a student at Dutchtown High School, reported in July 2024 that Yammarino had engaged in sexual activities with him twice since January of that year. Following this, five other students, aged between 14 and 16, accused Yammarino of sending them explicit text messages, including videos of herself.
Yammarino’s daughter made a heartfelt plea to the court, asking for her mother to receive the maximum penalty for her actions, which she said had devastated their family. During the sentencing hearing, Yammarino appeared visibly upset, sobbing and bowing her head.
Judge Keyojuan Gant-Turner handed down the maximum sentence of 10 years for each of the two counts of carnal knowledge that Yammarino faced, as well as three years for each charge of indecent behavior. These sentences will be served consecutively, meaning Yammarino will be over 70 years old before she is eligible for release. Upon her release, she will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of her life.
Ascension District Attorney Ricky Babin described Yammarino as a threat, stating that her victims were minors. He emphasized that her actions were not isolated incidents, which in his opinion, made her a danger to society.
Yammarino has been in custody since her arrest in July last year. Her case serves as a stark reminder of the importance of safeguarding children and young people from sexual exploitation.