Former Dexter teacher Richard Berkley will serve probation and a month in jail after pleading guilty to an unlawful sexual relationship with a student, Cowley County Attorney Chris Smith said.
If Berkley, 42, were to slip up while completing the sentence he could face an additional 30 days in jail or even a seven-month stint in prison.
In May, the former Dexter High teacher pleaded no contest to a felony charge of unlawful voluntary sexual relations and a guilty plea was entered for him by the judge.
State law prohibits persons in positions of authority from engaging in sexual activity with someone under their authority. Which is why Berkley faced a criminal charge even though the girl in question was 16 or 17 ? 16 is the age of consent ? at the time of the incident.
The formal criminal complaint indicated that between Jan. 1, 2007 and May 9, 2008, Berkley engaged in lewd fondling or touching with the girl.
An investigation into Berkley’s behavior actually began during the 2007-2008. He first was suspended with pay in April 2008 but eventually turned in his resignation later that same month.
