Florida Mayor Defends Incoming Town Manager Despite Sex Offender Status: 'Right Person for the Job'

<https://s.yimg.com/lo/mysterio/api/e4aaf8b2235b1f8aa09b4d35
5d97646e9768461ead785485239a4ac5660a7c9d/lightyear_networka
pi/resizefill_w1200;quality_80;format_webp/https:%2F%2Fmedi
a.zenfs.com%2Fen%2Fglobe_458%2F4abd948c5b77d77aa316af7d7471
d6ad>

A small town in Florida is getting a new town manager, and she's a
previously convicted sex offender. 

April Watson is expected to take over as the manager of Jay when the
current manager, Eric Seib, retires next month on July 3. Seib has only
been working in a part-time capacity since September 2025. She was
previously unanimously appointed by the Jay Town Council when Seib went
to part-time. 

Jay Mayor Shon Owens said he was aware of Watson's previous crimes, per
a report from USA Today published on Thursday, June 18. 

"I'm not familiar with details of the case against her," Owens said. "I
do know that she's the right person for the job. There is a great deal
of confidence within the community in her ability to do the job." 

Watson's new position has garnered a renewed interest in her criminal
history. She's a registered Florida sex offender and pleaded no contest
in 2010 to three charges of engaging in unlawful sexual activity with
minors. 

<https://s.yimg.com/lo/mysterio/api/1b24c1bff4d912b75b611aee1b1b573e98610
453877bcf3b6ddfa244464f2693/lightyear_networkapi/resizefill_w1200;quality
_80;format_webp/https:%2F%2Fmedia.zenfs.com%2Fen%2Fglobe_458%2F4994ac06d4
46814cd0d64e3cd31c44f3> 

According to a 2010 report from NorthEscambia.com, Watson was working as
a high school teacher in 2007. She and another teacher — Ashley Burkett
— had sex with two 17-year-old male students between July and October of
that year. Both women were 31 years old at the time. 

An anonymous letter was sent to the Santa Rosa County School District
alleging that the two women were engaged in inappropriate relationships
with two of their students, and an investigation was launched. 

"Two victims alleged that they were involved in sexual activity with
Watson at her residence and the residence of Burkett between the months
of July and October 2007," Santa Rosa County Sheriff's Office Spokesman
Sgt. Scott Haines said after their arrests in 2009. 

"One other victim alleged that he was involved in sexual activity with
Burkett at her residence and the residence of Watson between the months
of July and October 2007," Haines continued. "Both of the suspects were
questioned by investigators and they both admitted to the unlawful
sexual activity." 

Burkett and Watson both pleaded no contest and were each sentenced to 15
months in prison. They served a year of their sentence. 

https://www.yahoo.com/news/us/articles/florida-mayor-defends-incoming-tow
n-154825364.html