An apparent violation of Miranda rights played a key role in the State’s decision to offer a plea deal to Diana Pirvu, a 25-year-old former teaching assistant accused of engaging in a sexual relationship with a 13-year-old student.
Pirvu, who worked at a local middle school, was sentenced in April to lifetime probation with sex offender terms after pleading guilty to two counts of attempted child molestation. She must register as a sex offender, is restricted in her computer usage, and faces up to 15 years in prison if she violates the terms of her probation.
The charges stem from a 2023 incident in which the victim’s adult brother discovered inappropriate messages between Pirvu and the boy. According to a probable cause statement, the brother intercepted Pirvu when she attempted to meet the victim at his home. During a subsequent forensic interview, the child disclosed multiple instances of sexual intercourse with Pirvu, including in her home and car.
During sentencing, 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.
According to court records, Buckeye police continued questioning Pirvu after she invoked her right to remain silent, a potential Miranda violation that cast doubt on whether her statements — including a partial confession — would be admissible at trial. Pirvu admitted to having sex with the child three to four times, acknowledged calling him “babe."
If the defense had succeeded in suppressing that evidence, the prosecutor claims it would have lost a key piece of evidence, according to court documents.
Despite maintaining that a conviction was still possible, the State acknowledged that the risk of suppression, combined with concerns over the emotional impact of a full trial on the young victim, made a plea deal the most viable option.
During sentencing, the prosecutor noted that the victim had been historically challenging to reach during discussion on any potential victim feedback for a court recording request from InBuckeye.
“This was predatory,” prosecutors wrote in court filings. “However, the reason for the lifetime probation plea is there are issues with the Defendant’s interview that would have presented problems at trial.”
In court, Pirvu appeared visibly stressed at her April sentencing, with greying blonde hair. Her attorney shielded her from InBuckeye’s camera as she read a prepared statement accepting responsibility:
“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… I pray that God heals the hurt that I cannot, and that one day I can be forgiven.”
Judge Todd Lang denied a defense motion to block media cameras from the courtroom, citing First Amendment protections.
By accepting the plea, Pirvu waived her right to trial and ensured the child would not be required to testify. The terms of the agreement also guarantee she will never work in education again.
The case comes just months after Jessica Kramer, another Buckeye-based teacher, was sentenced to three years in prison for a similar offense involving a 16-year-old student.
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].
