Fired prof who supported sexual-assault defendant gets $350K

PLYMOUTH, N.H. (AP) — The University System of New Hampshire will pay a $350,000 settlement to a Plymouth State University professor who lost her job for publicly supporting a guidance counselor who sexually assaulted a 14-year-old.

Nancy Strapko wrote a letter of support and spoke at the July sentencing hearing for Kristie Torbick, who pleaded guilty to felonious sexual assault charges and received 2 ½ to five years in prison.

Strapko described therapy sessions with Torbick and wrote the 14-year-old "was truly the pursuer." The university president said Strapko's portrayal was "legally wrong and morally reprehensible."

A joint public statement said both sides "have reached a mediated resolution of their concerns" arising from Strapko's assessment.

Strapko's law firm confirmed the amount, first reported by the New Hampshire Union Leader. The university system's attorney did not respond to an email Tuesday.