Pregnant at 14, DC's Top Cop at 39 — The Unbelievable Story of Cathy Lanier
In a Nutshell
Cathy Lanier, pregnant at 14 by a 26-year-old boyfriend, married him at 15 after running away, but separated soon after and returned home as a single mom with only a ninth-grade education. Driven by her son, she earned her GED at 16, juggled secretarial and waitressing jobs while lying about her age, and pursued community college via tuition reimbursement. At 23, she joined the DC Metropolitan Police amid the crack epidemic—scoring in the top 60 of 1,000 applicants—propelled by her mother's emphasis on education and stable public service careers, eventually rising to DC's top cop by 39.
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Went from talented and gifted student with straight A's to failing every subject the first quarter of seventh grade. Chronically truant, averaging 19 days a quarter in school. Mother unaware because school never notified her. By 6:00 p.m. when mother got home from work, pretended to do homework. Mother discovered midway through eighth grade due to failing all major subjects.
While skipping school, hung out with much older crowd, friends of older brother, getting in trouble. Fell in love with much older boyfriend, wanted to marry and run away. At 14 in ninth grade, became pregnant. Boyfriend (26 years old) gave diamond ring; engaged. Ran away to avoid mother having him arrested. Mind of a 14-year-old thought marriage and baby would work out.
Went to absent father to sign for marriage due to age; required one parent to sign over legal guardianship to husband. Father signed to reduce child support by $100 a month. Married the day after 15th birthday, eight months pregnant.
A year and a half later, back home. Mother took to GED classes at night, sneaking while still married (husband disapproved of school). After separation, mother ensured GED completion. Mother brought typewriter home, taught typing and shorthand at kitchen table. At 16, got secretary job, lied about age. Also worked as waitress in bar evenings, lied about age. Worked two jobs for several years. Motivation was son.
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