Brittany Zamora's attorney blamed the child who was sexually abused and painted the former teacher as a victim hours after Zamora was sentenced to 20 years in prison.

Belen Olmedo Guerra held a news conference shortly after the sentencing in Maricopa County Superior Court on Friday, with Zamora's mother and a family friend standing silently behind her.

"This was not between a young child and Brittany — this was a teenager," Guerra said of the victim, who was 13 at the time of the abuse.

Guerra also accused Las Brisas Academy Principal Timothy Dickey of ignoring Zamora's requests to move the victim to another class because the victim had "boundary issues" and was "obsessed" with his teacher.

The teen persistently inquired about Zamora's identifying features, such as her birthmarks and moles, Guerra said. He also had multiple cellphones and social media accounts.

The family had Dickey's cellphone number because of their son's "many behavioral issues," according to Guerra.

Guerra said she learned this new information from Dickey during a defense interview. It's not clear why they accepted a plea deal if Zamora believed there was so much evidence in the case.

Guerra denied that she was blaming the 13-year-old and that she was calling a Zamora a victim when questioned about the accusations directly.

The attorney also read a statement Zamora wrote. In the letter, Zamora accused the state of treating her unfairly.

"It's shocking to me how others are so quick to judge based on hearing accusations from only one side of the story," Zamora said. "It was made clear to me the state already made their decision well before I was given the chance to prove my innocence in any way, shape or form."

She alleged the prosecution ignored evidence that proved the "highest degree of character," such as a psycho-sexual evaluation, a polygraph test and other corroborating items.

"I feel like I was used as a publicity act to gain attention that was often driven by money and motivation from several parties," she said.

She also took the opportunity to scold the media for portraying her as a "monster" and described herself as a kind and caring person, touting her volunteer history and strong support system.

"I hope our society can learn not to judge each other based on the way information is biasedly portrayed because I know firsthand how it feels to be portrayed as someone you're not," Zamora concluded in her statement.

Guerra and Zamora's family called the 20-year sentence a win as it was the minimum possible sentence outlined within the plea deal.

Family attorney calls claims 'outrageous'

Russ Richelsoph, an attorney for the victim's father and stepmother, told The Arizona Republic they were shocked by the comments.

"To go into court and argue a client is remorseful during a sentencing hearing and to hold a press conference hours later blaming it on the victim indicates she's not truly remorseful," Richelsoph said. "Blaming the victim ... saying a 13-year-old seduced her ... that's what you see from hardcore child predators."

Ultimately, Guerra's and Zamora's comments will have no effect on the sentence she received. It's not known whether the judge who sentenced her is aware of the contradictory statements.

Richelsoph said the victim-blaming statement only proves that Zamora is a true danger to society.

"Whether or not the child has behavioral issues in the classroom is irrelevant," he said. "She's a teacher and, if she chose to deal with it by having a sex party with one of her students, that's the wrong answer."

Zamora case comes to a close

Zamora was arrested in March 2018 and accused of having a sexual relationship with her sixth-grade student. She was also accused of sending naked pictures of herself to the student, and police records indicate she may have been attempting to groom other students for sex.

The family of the victim also filed a civil lawsuit against Zamora's husband, Daniel, and Liberty Elementary School District. The lawsuit alleges Dickey was aware of rumors for more than a month before the sexual abuse was revealed.

The lawsuit also accused Daniel Zamora of failing to alert authorities after he learned of the ongoing molestation. He recently settled for an undisclosed amount.

The lawsuit against Liberty Elementary School District is ongoing.

What do you think about Zamora's comments? Let public safety reporter Bree Burkitt know at bburkitt@republicmedia.com or at 602-444-8515. Follow her on Twitter at @breeburkitt.

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