Salinas >> A Salinas woman serving probation for having a sexual relationship with a 14-year-old boy for several years failed to register as a sex offender while on an extended visit to Florida. She is now facing up to five years and eight months in prison.

Typically defendants convicted of felony child molestation are not eligible for probation, but Annette Banda was the “exception to the rule” when she was sentenced in December, her attorney Larry Biegel said. Court experts evaluated her and said she was not considered to be a sexual predator.

Recently, Banda admitted to have violated her probation when she failed to register as a sex offenders while visiting Florida, despite being advised to do so by her supervising probation officer.

Banda was arrested in January and convicted of having a sexual relationship with her daughter’s 14-year-old friend for more than three years. Their unlawful relationship began in 2010, with most encounters taking place in Banda’s car. She was caught when her husband discovered a string of emails and texts between her and the boy. Banda’s husband notified the boy’s parents, who then contacted law enforcement.

She will be sentenced on the probation violation on Sept. 18.

Ana Ceballos can be reached at 726-4377.