A former Buckeye teaching assistant accused of child molestation avoided a prison sentence today by agreeing to a plea deal.
Diana Pirvu, 25, pleaded guilty to two counts of attempted child molestation in Maricopa County Superior Court. This morning, she was given lifetime probation with restricted computer use and she must register as a sex offender. If remanded, she may spend 15 years in prison.
Her 2023 charges came after the victim’s adult brother was informed of alleged sexual activity between Pirvu and the 13-year-old victim, according to the probable cause statement, which was obtained by InBuckeye. The brother observed text messages, and when the Pirvu attempted to meet with the victim at the brother’s house, the brother intervened.
During a forensic interview, the victim alleged five incidences of sexual intercourse with Pirvu, once in her home and once in her vehicle.
Pirvu also admitted to having sex with the victim two to three times, according to the probable cause statement.
The state’s prosecuting attorney cited “mistakes” in the police investigation as justification for the plea deal. The case lists Nichole Northrup as the lead attorney.
“Lifetime probation is not an easy thing to do, and balancing the mistakes in the police investigation in this case is how the state came up with the plea offer,” she said.
Pirvu appeared stressed, with heavily greyed blonde hair.
Her attorney shielded her from InBuckeye’s courtroom camera as she read a statement detailing that she is not a victim.
“I used to feel sorry for myself in the beginning, but soon realized that I am not a victim,” she said. “I caused a lot of hurt that I cannot take back and it's something I would have to live with. I wish there was a chance to go back in time and make things right, make different choices, but I can't do anything other than accept the consequences, learn from this terrible incident, and move forward. I have a long road ahead of me. I pray that God heals the hurt that I cannot, and that one day I can be forgiven."
Her attorney shielded her from the camera as she walked out of court with her probation paperwork. Pirvu's defense team initially attempted to object to the use of a camera in the courtroom from InBuckeye. Judge Todd Lang denied the motion, citing the First Amendment of the U.S. constitution.
The probation sentence comes after Jessica Kramer, the former Buckeye-based Odyssey Preparatory Academy teacher, was sentenced to three years in prison in December for similar offenses with a 16-year-old victim, according to state documents.
Michael McDaniel can be reached at [email protected]. We invite our readers to submit their civil comments or opinions on this or any issue. Email [email protected].
