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BILLINGS, Mon. — Montana prison officials released a former high school teacher Thursday after he completed a 30-day sentence for rape that is under review by the state’s high court and has prompted critics to call for the removal of the judge who oversaw the case.

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tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Stacey Rambold, Montana teacher who served just 30 days for raping 14-year-old Cherice Moralez, released Back to video

Stacey Rambold, 54, left the Montana State Prison in Deer Lodge after serving the term handed down by District Judge G. Todd Baugh of Billings for the 2007 rape of 14-year-old Cherice Moralez.

The judge drew outrage last month over the leniency of the sentence and comments he made that appeared to pin some of the blame on Moralez.

State prosecutors are appealing the sentence, saying Rambold should have received a minimum of two years. But barring new offences, the former teacher will stay out of prison pending the appeal.

Rambold must register as a sex offender and will remain on probation through 2028 unless the original sentence is overruled, state officials said.