Wisconsin Teacher's Aide Receives 51-Year Sentence for Sexual Abuse of Four Boys
A former teacher's aide from Wisconsin has been sentenced to more than five decades in prison for sexually abusing multiple minors, including assaults that occurred during a sleepover at her home. Anna Marie Crocker, 34, was handed a 51-and-a-half year sentence this week after pleading guilty to sexually assaulting a 12-year-old boy and a 14-year-old boy, while also attempting to manipulate two other teenagers into sexual activity.
Details of the Crimes and Investigation
According to the Kenosha County District Attorney's Office, Crocker worked as a teacher's aide at Riverview Elementary School in Silver Lake, having joined the Silver Lake-Salem Joint 1 School District in 2020 as a substitute before becoming full-time the following year. The investigation revealed that she sent sexually explicit messages, videos, and pictures to each of the four students involved.
The most disturbing incident occurred during a sleepover at Crocker's home in the winter of 2023-2024. The 12-year-old victim reported that he was sleeping in the basement when Crocker, a mother of four, woke him while naked, pulled off his pants, and sexually assaulted him. The boy told police he attempted to stop her and push her off, but she refused.
Pattern of Predatory Behavior
Following the basement assault, Crocker texted the boy for months, alternating between apologizing for what happened and attempting to make him feel guilty about the incident. She also warned him not to tell anyone, despite other children having witnessed the assault.
Authorities discovered that Crocker had also sexually assaulted a 14-year-old boy in a parking lot in August 2024, after they exchanged sexual messages and photos over Snapchat. Additionally, she engaged in sexually explicit conversations with a 13-year-old boy and a 16-year-old boy, even trying to lure the older teen to her home just one day before her arrest in October 2024.
Court Proceedings and Sentencing
During her sentencing hearing, Crocker apologized for her actions and begged for a lighter sentence. "I take full responsibility for what has taken place," she told the court. "I am disturbed by the harm and distress, along with the trauma that you have to endure. I am deeply sorry that this has caused confusion, pain and anger, and that you have to live with this the rest of your lives."
Despite her plea, the judge imposed the lengthy sentence, noting that Crocker "sought out children, she used children and she took advantage of children." The former teacher's aide will not be eligible for release until she is in her 80s and will be required to register as a sex offender for the remainder of her life.
Official Statements on the Case
District Attorney Xavier Solis described the case as representing "a profound breach of trust" in a statement following the sentencing. "When an adult connected to our schools exploits our children, the harm is severe and lasting," Solis continued. "This sentence sends a clear message to any school employee who preys on our children, in Kenosha County, you will be held accountable."
The case highlights the vulnerability of children in educational settings and the severe consequences for those who abuse positions of trust. The lengthy sentence reflects the gravity of the offenses and the lasting trauma inflicted upon the young victims.
