A former western Ohio high school band director found guilty in a case involving sexual conduct with female students has been sentenced to 7 1/2 years in prison.

A Logan County judge handed down the sentence for 35-year-old John Shook following his conviction after a trial that ended last month.

The Bellefontaine Examiner reported Monday the DeGraff resident could have faced up to 39 years at sentencing.

A jury found Shook guilty of six counts of sexual battery, one count of attempted sexual battery and five counts of gross sexual imposition. It acquitted him on one count of attempted sexual battery.

Shook was accused of misconduct with three students. His attorney hasn't returned a message seeking comment.