EPISD cheating scandal: Love’s son to testify as witness

All former administrators involved in the EPISD investigation were told by a federal judge not to have any contact with the other defendants, witnesses or victims, but there was one exception for Nancy Love and her son, who could be a witness against his mother.

It’s unclear exactly why Love’s son is involved in the case. The FBI meanwhile, tight-lipped about the special circumstances granted by a federal judge. In the courtroom, prosecutors asked Love’s son, Richard, who’s out of town at college. Prosecutors worried that if he stays with her, it could jeopardize the case. The judge allowed it on the condition that they do not discuss the investigation.

Love’s attorney, Mary Stillinger, couldn’t say how he’s involved.

“Her son was a juvenile when this came up, he shouldn’t have been a part of this, I don’t think he should have been asked to be a witness in this case, he was but of course she’ll follow the judge’s orders,” Stillinger said.

Love is accused of retaliating against a teacher who reported the activity to the FBI. She’s also charged with lying to a grand jury about a recent Austin High School graduate approaching her about pressing charges against a teacher. Prosecutors say Love actually got a relative to contact the student for her. The indictment doesn’t say if her son is that relative. Love also allegedly met with the student at a Cabo Joe’s about how to lie to police. The plan was to discredit the teacher as a witness. Love is now free on bond until a trial date is set.

Stillinger says the walk out of the courthouse was painful, but now that it’s over, she’s ready for her day in court.

“If you don’t think you’re doing anything wrong, then you’re not risking your career, she didn’t decide to commit a crime, to risk her career, she never thought she was doing anything wrong,” Mary Stillinger said.

Stillinger says she doesn’t know when a trial date will be set.