L.I. Mom Gets Probation For Sexual Relationship With Teen Boy

MINEOLA, N.Y. (CBS 2) -- A Long Island mother was sentenced to three years probation Monday after admitting to having a long term sexual relationship with a 16-year-old boy.

Stephanie Finnerty, of Oceanside, was also fined $1,200 and ordered to stay away from the teen, who was a high school friend of her daughter.   She was charged with endangering the welfare of a child.

"This was a low time in her life. She recognizes that she made a mistake. She was very remorseful, crying in court," defense attorney Nancy Bartling told reporters including CBS 2's Jennifer McLogan.

The underage sex acts are said to have taken place inside Finnerty's Oceanside home, which she shares with her husband, Michael, and their children.

Michael Finnerty is a former mobster who testified against Junior Gotti in his racketeering and murder conspiracy trial. At the time, Finnerty credited his wife with saving him from a life of crime.

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Michael Finnerty was not at Monday's sentencing, but Bartling said he was "remaining supportive" of his wife.

The teen victim has since switched schools. According to court testimony, he has also been texting and harassing the Finnertys and has posted lewd comments and photos on his Facebook page.

Alane Fagin, of Child Abuse Prevention Services, said while people may believe a boy having sex with an older woman "might be another notch on his belt," it can have a detrimental affect.

"It can have psychological damage and that it is sexual abuse," she said.

Some also called Monday's sentence of probation a double standard. They argued that if a 42-year-old man had sex with a 16-year-old girl, he would be jailed and registered as a sex offender.