Ex-Teacher Enters Plea Deal In Sex Case

GRAND RAPIDS (WWJ/AP) - A 59-year-old former Michigan teacher who authorities say had a sexual relationship with a then-16-year-old girl in 2010 has entered into a plea agreement in the case.

Former Saranac High teacher Krag Sanford appeared Monday in a Kent County courtroom, where he pleaded no contest to accosting a child for immoral purposes. In a related case, he is expected to appear in an Ionia courtroom Tuesday on charges of distributing sexually explicit material to a minor.

Defense attorney Bruce Lincoln said he expects Sanford to serve jail time. Lincoln described what happened as "a love story," saying Sanford's behavior was human nature.

Sanford was arrested this year after authorities said he had a sexual relationship with the teen. Police said an investigation revealed Sanford and the student had met for sex at his apartment at Byron Lakes Apartments in Byron Township. Sanford allegedly told police the sexual relationship had been going on for a while.

A letter presented earlier in court says Sanford impregnated the teen this year. In the letter, the girl reportedly explains that it's a high-risk pregnancy. She is reportedly about nine weeks pregnant.

Sanford resigned from his position with the school in December 2010.

According to the Grand Rapids Press, Standford wasn't charged in the case until last month and was able to substitute teach up until April 9. His last assignment was at Wyoming Schools' Jackson Park Intermediate School.

As part of the plea deal, Sanford must relinquish his teaching certificate and register as a sex offender on the state's registry.

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