Ex-Special Ed Teacher Pleads In Student Sex Case

ALLEGAN (WWJ/AP) - A former teacher has pleaded no contest in a sex case involving a special education student at a southwestern Michigan high school.

Kelly Laker, 61, initially was charged with felonies that carried a potential prison sentence of up to 15 years. The plea agreement this week knocks down those charges to two counts of fourth-degree criminal sexual conduct, misdemeanors with a maximum sentence of two years, according to a report by The Kalamazoo Gazette.

Laker, a teacher at Plainwell High School, was placed on paid leave after the allegations first surfaced in March. The school said they notified police after several students said they saw Laker kissing one of his students on the head. The next day, the girl's mother called police after finding love letters from Laker hidden in her daughter's bedroom.

Authorities say Laker told the girl, in the love letters, that he wanted to take her virginity. Police say the girl admitted that Laker fondled her multiple times, had "asked her for sex" and "wanted to be her  first." The girl also said Laker instructed her to deny their relationship when questioned by police.

Laker is due back in court for sentencing on Feb. 10.

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