Ex-Teacher Faces 2 Sentences In Teen 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 student in 2010 faces sentencing in two counties later this summer. The teen now is pregnant with his child.

A lawyer for ex-Saranac High School teacher Krag Sanford asked a Kent County judge on Tuesday for a delay in the sentencing, and Judge Paul Sullivan reset it for Aug. 14. Sanford pleaded no contest to accosting a child for immoral purposes, in a deal with prosecutors.

In a related case in Ionia County, Sanford also pled no contest to two counts of distribution of sexually explicit visual or verbal matter to a child. Sentencing in that case is July 31.

Sanford, 59, was arrested in April 2012 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 he impregnated the teen this year. The teen wrote the letter with hopes that the judge would lift bond conditions that prevent her from seeing Sanford, but the judge refused.

Sanford and the teenage girl reportedly filed for a marriage license in March of this year.

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 resigned from his position with the school in December 2010, when police say the relationship began.

According to the Grand Rapids Press, Standford was able to substitute teach up until April 9 of this year. 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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