Jon Christopher Ayers of Indianapolis has been sentenced to four years in prison for having sex with a female student and making advances to another.
The 32 year-old teacher at the Guion Creek Middle School pleaded guilty Friday to confinement and sexual misconduct with a minor at a hearing in Marion Superior Court, the Indianapolis Star reported Saturday.
Ayers was also ordered to serve three years' probation, pay $8,528 in restitution and register as a sex offender by Superior Court Judge Jane Magnus-Stinson.
"Students will have crushes on teachers," Marion County Deputy Prosecutor Kristin Erato said. "They're children, the teachers are adults, and they cannot cross that line."
Ayers was described as a dedicated Social Studies teacher and coach with good moral character by supporters. A psychologist hired by the defense called him immature and self-centered, but not a pedophile.
"I'm ultimately responsible for my actions," Ayers said. "I've not only betrayed the ladies involved, but I've betrayed all my ex-students and my colleagues."
© Copyright 2004 by United Press International
